Millions of Brazilians Flock to Threads and Bluesky After X Shutdown Amidst Battle with Supreme Court....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Millions of Brazilians, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are flocking to new social media platforms like Threads and Bluesky following the shutdown of Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil. In a matter of days, Portuguese has become the dominant language on these platforms as users migrate to maintain their online presence.

After the ban on X, numerous Brazilian netizens took to Bluesky, asking, “Is anyone there?” as they explored the platform for the first time. Bluesky, a social media network founded by Twitter co-creator Jack Dorsey, reported over two million new users from Brazil, bringing its total to 7.6 million users. This surge follows Brazil’s Supreme Court decision to block access to X in a legal standoff between Elon Musk and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes.

Judge Moraes, known for his efforts to combat disinformation, took action after Musk disregarded several court rulings. Musk’s self-proclaimed stance as a “free-speech absolutist” has clashed with Moraes’ mission to curb harmful content online, resulting in the platform’s shutdown in Brazil.

As Bluesky continues to attract users, Threads, a social network launched by Meta, has also experienced a dramatic spike in interest. Since X’s suspension, searches for “Threads” have quadrupled in Brazil, where Meta’s strong presence, including 140 million Instagram users, has made the transition to Threads more seamless. Although Threads did not respond to requests for comment, it has become one of the most downloaded apps in Brazil, according to data from the Google Play Store.

A Shift in Social Media Landscape

The transition from X to alternative platforms has led to mixed feelings among Brazilian users. Many express optimism about the new platforms, describing them as “more welcoming” communities. However, some long-time Twitter users, like student Leon Leal, note they miss the raw sincerity that once defined X.

University professor Raul Nunes, who has been on Twitter since 2007, opted for Bluesky because of its similarities to Twitter in terms of user interface and language. Despite this, Nunes pointed out some drawbacks, such as the lack of a ‘Trending Topics’ section and the inability to post videos.

While both Threads and Bluesky are seeing rapid growth in Brazil, experts remain unsure if the migration will be permanent. Brazil, a highly connected country, boasts more smartphones than people, which makes it a fertile ground for social media activity. Yet, the uncertainty around X’s fate leaves many wondering if these platforms can maintain their momentum.

The Future of Social Media in Brazil

Social media experts like Raquel Recuero of the Federal University of Pelotas believe that Brazil’s X users are likely to spread across various platforms. This fragmented migration could impact Brazil’s role in global social media trends, potentially isolating its user base.

Viktor Chagas, professor of media studies at the Federal University of Fluminense, emphasized that Brazilians are seeking new platforms to stay engaged in public discourse. However, he expressed concerns about the limited global reach of platforms like Bluesky, which could make it harder for Brazilians to participate in international conversations.

While Threads may seem like the safer option due to its connection with Instagram, concerns about Meta’s data privacy practices have left some users wary of fully embracing the platform. This has created a complex dynamic in the country’s evolving social media landscape.

Political Figures Seeking a New Online Home

Brazil’s political leaders are also adjusting to the changes. President Lula da Silva has taken to posting on both Threads and Bluesky, aiming to stay connected with the country’s online audience. On the other hand, far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, a supporter of Elon Musk, has been slower to adopt new platforms. Bolsonaro has continued promoting his Telegram account while resisting the move to Bluesky.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling and the threat of fines for circumventing the X ban using VPNs, some individuals, including Bolsonaro’s loyal supporters, continue to find ways to access X. One of Bolsonaro’s allies, Nikolas Ferreira, even proclaimed on X, “I did not create an account on Bluesky. X is my country.”