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Bluesky

Submitted 9 months ago by Steve Brown

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The university should open social media accounts on Bluesky, and arguably stop using Twitter/X (as The Guardian has just done, calling X a "toxic media platform").

Elaine Ryan: 7:49am on 18 Nov 24 I disagree, the OU should NOT stop using twitter especially as more people use it. Next you will be saying only the political left can attend university.
Joshua Lawrence: 10:43pm on 1 Jan 25 Disagree massively, one issue being 'Bluesky' is a relatively new platform and will not compete with the massive membership that 'X' currently holds. Secondly, it is no secret that 'Bluesky' is advertised as a 'safespace' for the political left, as many have reported being banned for mentioning anything remotely conservative, whereas 'X' is a platform for everyone regardless of your political beliefs as both left and right leaning people's accounts exist just like Open University students. Therefore, it remains only appropriate for the OU 'X' account to remain for the sake of true inclusivity.
Katherine Richardson: 5:06pm on 14 Jan 25 AIUI the openSU has a Bluesky account https://bsky.app/profile/oustudents.bsky.social the question is should we pull off twitter, (and facebook/whatsapp!) with its failure to moderate and its habit of driving people off in fear… it has become a toxic mess both politically and at a user level, and while I do not know if it can recover, I do know that if we leave, we will not be alone - over 60 German universities have recently pulled from x due to it’s toxic nature https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/over-60-german-universities-quit-social-media-platform-x/3447287#
Gee Thomson: 9:51am on 15 Jan 25 The Open University (OU) and its Students Association must reject any engagement with Bluesky, a platform that has rapidly devolved into an exclusionary echo chamber. Despite claims of neutrality, Bluesky has become a haven for left-leaning ideologies, systematically marginalizing and censoring conservative and centrist voices. This environment is antithetical to the principles of diversity and open discourse that the OU purports to uphold. Reports indicate that conservative users on Bluesky face rampant abuse and censorship. Prominent conservative media outlets, such as The Babylon Bee and Newsmax, have encountered significant hostility and suppression on the platform. This targeted harassment creates a hostile environment for students with right-wing or centrist views, effectively silencing their perspectives and infringing upon their right to free expression. Furthermore, Bluesky's user base is predominantly left-centre leaning, leading to a homogenized discourse that stifles intellectual diversity. Studies analyzing the network's topology reveal significant polarization, with minimal representation of conservative viewpoints. This ideological homogeneity fosters an environment where dissenting opinions are unwelcome and actively suppressed. Engaging with Bluesky would alienate a substantial segment of the OU community and contravene the university's commitment to inclusivity and academic freedom. The OU and its Students Association must refrain from endorsing or utilizing platforms that perpetuate ideological discrimination and suppress free speech. Instead, the OU should seek or develop platforms that genuinely uphold the values of open dialogue, inclusivity, and respect for diverse viewpoints. By doing so, the university can ensure a safe and equitable environment for all students, regardless of their political affiliations.

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Bluesky