Bluesky rolls out anti-toxicity features to enhance user experience

Bluesky, a social media platform, today announced the release of several new anti-toxicity features aimed at improving user experience and safety. The update, introduced in version 1.90 of the Bluesky app, addresses issues such as harassment, spam, and unwanted notifications. These changes come as part of the company's ongoing efforts to balance safety, usability, and enjoyment for its users.

According to Paul Frazee, CTO at Bluesky, the new features are the result of collaboration between the product team and the Trust & Safety (T&S) department. This partnership underscores the company's commitment to integrating safety considerations into all aspects of their platform, from community policies to user interface design.

One of the most significant additions is the ability for users to detach their original posts from quote posts. This feature allows content creators to maintain greater control over the threads they initiate, potentially reducing instances of "dog-piling" and harassment. However, Bluesky acknowledges the dual nature of quote posts, which can also serve as a means to correct misinformation. To address this complexity, the company plans to implement labeling services and is considering the integration of a feature similar to Twitter's Community Notes in the future.

It's important to note that while the Bluesky app won't directly display all quote post removals on a user's post, this information remains public. Developers with knowledge of the Bluesky API can access this data, maintaining a level of transparency within the platform's ecosystem.

Another key feature introduced in version 1.90 is the ability for users to hide replies to their posts. This function is limited to the original creator of a thread, allowing them to curate the conversation more effectively. Hidden replies are not deleted but rather placed behind a "Hidden replies" screen, preserving accessibility while reducing visibility. As with quote post removals, the data regarding hidden replies and which posts were hidden by the author remains public.

Bluesky has also implemented priority notification filters to help users manage their incoming notifications more effectively. This feature allows users to filter their notifications to receive updates only from people they follow. This addition is particularly beneficial for users with large followings or those whose posts unexpectedly gain significant attention. The company has stated its intention to continue refining this feature and adding more notification options in the future.

The update also brings changes to how replies are displayed in user timelines. Previously, all replies were shown in the Following feed with the same visibility as top-level posts. The new system reduces the frequency of showing replies, displaying only conversations that involve replies between at least two people the user follows. This change aims to make the feed more relevant and less cluttered.

Additionally, the update makes it easier for users to revive older threads. When a user replies to an older thread of their own, it will now be bumped to the top of their followers' feeds. This eliminates the need for users to repost their own replies to bring attention to updated conversations. The new reply format also prevents replies from being separated from the top-level post, improving context and readability.

Bluesky has extended the functionality of its blocking feature to affect lists. When a user blocks the creator of a starter pack or a curational user list, they will be filtered out of any lists created by that blocked user. However, blocks do not affect moderation lists, as this would undermine their purpose. The company has also announced plans to update its policies regarding acceptable list titles and descriptions, with more aggressive labeling of lists to come.

Looking ahead, Bluesky is working on backend infrastructure updates to combat ban evasion, botnets, and other forms of toxicity. The company plans to publish additional information about these efforts in a future blog post from their Trust & Safety team.

The introduction of these features represents Bluesky's ongoing commitment to addressing the complex challenges of online communication. By providing users with more control over their interactions and the content they see, the platform aims to create a safer and more enjoyable social media experience.

Key facts from the announcement

• Release date: August 28, 2024
• App version: 1.90
• New features include:
  • Quote post detachment
  • Reply hiding
  • Priority notification filters
  • Changes to reply visibility in timelines
  • Blocking effects on user-created lists
• Future plans include:
  • Potential integration of a Community Notes-like feature
  • Backend infrastructure updates to combat toxicity
  • Policy updates for list titles and descriptions
• Transparency measures:
  • Quote post removals and hidden replies remain public data
  • Developers can access this information through the Bluesky API