Feb 19, 2025 Joe Ballard

RECAP: Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads & More – Is Decentralized the Wave of the Future?

Past Event: 10 Social Media Tips and Strategies You Should Be Utilizing Today

On February 19, 2025, social media professionals and enthusiasts gathered at DreamBank for an engaging discussion titled Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads & More: Is Decentralized the Wave of the Future? The event provided an in-depth exploration of how decentralized platforms are reshaping online interactions and community-building.

SMBMad board member Gray Miller led the conversation, examining platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon, which emphasize user control, data sovereignty, and community-driven moderation.

He also addressed the rise of Threads and other emerging alternatives, questioning whether decentralization presents a viable, long-term shift away from traditional social media giants.

If you weren’t able to join us in person, our sponsor, Live Well Video recorded this event so you can watch in on our Social Media Breakfast Madison Facebook page. Looking for the presentation deck with auditor notes? Check out the More Resources section at the bottom of this page. Sincere thanks to volunteer, Joe for writing the recap of this event.

Key Takeaways:

● Growing Interest in Decentralized Platforms – With increasing concerns about privacy and algorithmic transparency, more users are exploring decentralized networks.
● Challenges to Mass Adoption – While these platforms offer greater autonomy, barriers such as technical complexity and the power of network effects still hinder widespread adoption.
● Potential for a Digital Shift – The conversation highlighted how decentralized platforms could redefine online communication, fostering a future where users have more control over their digital presence.

Attendees left with a clearer understanding of the decentralized ecosystem and its implications for the future of social media. Though still in its early stages, decentralized technology has the potential to transform the way individuals and communities interact online.

What Is Decentralized Social Media & Why Does It Matter?

Decentralized social media operates on a distributed network rather than being controlled by a single entity. These platforms offer key advantages:
● User Control & Free Speech – Unlike traditional platforms that moderate content through centralized policies, decentralized networks allow greater autonomy.
● Data Privacy & Security – Users retain ownership of their data, reducing dependence on corporations that monetize personal information.
● Economic Neutrality – Without centralized control, these platforms promote a fairer digital environment, free from commercial biases.

A major benefit of decentralization is federation, meaning different platforms can communicate with one another. This “Fediverse” model enables cross-platform interaction, much like how email allows messages between Gmail, Yahoo, and other providers.

Is Threads a Decentralized Social Media Platform? (Not Really)

Although Threads has hinted at future integration with the Fediverse, it remains controlled by Meta, operates on proprietary code, and monetizes user data. While it may support some cross-platform communication, its structure limits true decentralization.

In contrast, decentralized platforms function more like independent email providers. Users can select their preferred service (e.g., Mastodon or Bluesky), maintain ownership of their content, and still interact across different networks. This model fosters greater flexibility and user empowerment without reliance on a central authority.

Mastodon vs. Bluesky: Which is More Decentralized?

While both platforms embrace decentralization, they take different approaches:
● Mastodon is fully decentralized, operating within a federated system that allows independent communities to self-govern.
● Bluesky, though open-source, is still controlled by a single entity. While it has plans for greater decentralization, its ecosystem remains more restricted compared to Mastodon’s federated model.

Feature Comparison:
● Mastodon: 500-character posts, up to 4 media uploads, replies but no quote comments, hashtag support.
● Bluesky: 300-character posts, up to 4 media uploads, replies, quote comments, and hashtag support.

Pros & Cons of Decentralized Social Media
Pros:
● Build authority in a rapidly growing space
● Provides an alternative for users seeking independence from mainstream platforms
● Enables authentic engagement with niche audiences, particularly those focused on privacy and tech
● Resistant to centralized corporate influence, making it more community-driven

Cons:
● Significantly smaller user base compared to mainstream platforms

● Steeper learning curve for setup and management
● Limited analytics and advertising tools (for now)

Before joining a decentralized platform, businesses should assess whether their target audience is active on these networks, if their content aligns with the platform’s culture, and if they have the resources to build a community despite uncertain returns. While growth on decentralized platforms may take longer, engagement is often more meaningful and loyalty-driven.

Bluesky Starter Packs: A Helpful Onboarding Tool
To ease the transition into decentralized networking, Bluesky offers Starter Packs—curated introductions to help individuals and organizations connect with relevant communities. These packs streamline the onboarding process by highlighting key accounts, communities, and content tailored to specific interests.

For businesses, these Starter Packs provide a strategic way to establish a presence, foster relationships, and engage with a decentralized audience effectively.

What About Stats & Analytics?
Decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky prioritize community-driven engagement over algorithmic visibility, meaning traditional analytics tools are limited. Unlike mainstream social media, where success is often measured by numerical growth, decentralized networks
focus on genuine interactions. While this makes tracking performance more challenging, it fosters a healthier, more user-focused digital space.

Privacy & Security Considerations
Decentralized platforms offer some privacy controls, such as the ability to block specific servers. However, security measures vary by platform:
● Server moderators have significant discretion over content and moderation policies.
● Users can filter content, but direct messages (DMs) are not encrypted, making them less secure than traditional private messaging systems.
As the decentralized landscape evolves, improving security features and encryption will be crucial for broader adoption.

Final Thoughts

The conversation at DreamBank reaffirmed that decentralized social media is still in its early stages but holds immense potential to reshape digital interactions. While challenges remain, from technical complexity to mass adoption hurdles, the shift toward user-driven platforms is
gaining momentum.

For businesses and individuals looking to explore decentralized networks, now is the time to experiment, engage with niche communities, and embrace the future of online communication.

 

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