Cato Scholar Comments on Shift in Social Media Platforms Post-Election

Our Fellow for Free Expression and Technology, David Inserra, has commented on the recent shift in social media dynamics, highlighting how Brazil’s crackdown on X has prompted users to seek alternative platforms in the wake of the 2024 election, similar to the migration patterns observed after the 2020 election.

“Following Brazil’s crackdown on X, many individuals went in search of alternative social media platforms. And now following the 2024 election, many users on the left have gone in search of other platforms that are viewed as more friendly to left wing perspectives, similar to how many on the right went to other platforms after the 2020 election. And just in general, many social media users simply want a better or different experience online. Regardless of the reason, the growth in alternative social media platforms like Threads or Bluesky, shows that there is a significant market of social media platforms for users to choose from. Furthermore, decentralized platforms like Bluesky and Nostr, give users greater control over their social media experience and are working to break down the walls between platforms through interoperable protocols. The market, rather than the government, is the solution to the ongoing debates over online expression.”

Check out “A Guide to Content Moderation for Policymakers” from David, and feel free to reach out to us if you would like to speak with him about any related topics.