Bluesky changes replies display order to 'most popular' by default, causing some users to react negatively



Bluesky released version 1.95 on November 28, 2024. In this version 1.95, the default setting for displaying replies was changed to 'Hot replies first', which has caused backlash from some users.

Bluesky Sparks Controversy with New Default 'Hotness' Sorting - WinBuzzer

https://winbuzzer.com/2024/11/29/bluesky-sparks-controversy-with-new-default-hotness-sorting-xcxwbn/

Bluesky now displays replies by 'hotness' | Mashable
https://mashable.com/article/blueksy-hot-replies

In addition to several fixes, version 1.95 includes updates such as 'ordering replies based on attention,' 'improved localization,' 'smoother feed scrolling,' and 'the ability to swipe to dismiss toast notifications.'

???? App Version 1.95 is rolling out now (1/6)Lots of bugfixes and performance improvements in this one!

[image or embed]

— Bluesky ( @bsky.app ) November 28, 2024 5:40



The biggest change is the implementation of 'Hot replies first,' which ranks replies based on the number of recent likes and displays replies with higher rankings at the top as 'high attention.' In addition, Hot replies first will now be set as the default reply display order.



However, some users have criticized the default setting.

'If you insist on implementing hot replies first, don't make it the default. This prioritization of 'popularity' is the main reason why all other social networks suck and encourage shitty behavior.'



'Making 'hotness' the default is a terrible change. Stop rushing to be X or Facebook.'

Making 'hotness' the default is a terrible change. Let's not speed run to be X or FB, okay?

— Marc Ruvolo (

@marcruvolo.bsky.social ) November 29, 2024 7:12



'We don't want this to happen. Bots are already a significant problem, and this change will encourage more bots -- and of course the outrage and engagement-mongering that makes Twitter intolerable. Please listen to us.'

We don't want this. Bots are already becoming a noticeable issue, and this will encourage more, not to mention the rage baiting and engagement farming that makes twitter intolerable. Please listen to us.

— JOOPS ( @doodlejoops.bsky.social ) November 30, 2024 2:14



WinBuzzer, an IT news site, noted that Bluesky is under the EU's radar and said, 'The challenges facing Bluesky highlight the complexities of building a decentralized platform in a highly regulated and competitive social media landscape. While its innovative architecture offers significant advantages in privacy and user autonomy, there are also operational barriers that must be addressed to ensure long-term viability. How Bluesky responds to regulatory demands, user expectations, and financial pressures will determine its role in shaping the future of social media.'

You can change the display order of replies in 'Thread Settings' under 'Content and Media' in 'Settings'.

in Web Service, Posted by log1i_yk