In a bold move at SXSW 2025, Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky, made a powerful statement about the future of social media by wearing a T-shirt that read "Mundus sine Caesaribus" ("A world without Caesars" in Latin). This gesture was a direct response to Mark Zuckerberg's infamous "Aut Zuck aut nihil" ("Zuck or nothing") shirt from Meta Connect 2024. Graber's message was clear: decentralized, open-source platforms like Bluesky prioritize user control over corporate interests, offering a structural alternative to traditional social media giants.Bluesky, originally spun out of Twitter, has grown significantly, now boasting over 32 million users. The platform's AT Protocol allows users to own their identities and experiences without needing permission from Bluesky. This approach empowers users to "fork off" the network if needed, ensuring that they can maintain control over their data and online presence.Graber emphasized that Bluesky is not just another social media app but a fundamental shift in how social media operates. By giving users and developers more control, Bluesky aims to create a more democratic and accountable social networking infrastructure.One of the key features of Bluesky is its decentralized nature, which allows users to choose how they want their digital space to be governed. Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky uses an opt-in approach for content moderation, enabling users to install third-party moderation services tailored to their preferences. This approach reflects Graber's belief that moderation is a form of governance, allowing users to decide how they want their online environment to be managed.Challenges and Future PlansDespite its ideals, Bluesky faces financial challenges. The company is exploring subscription models and developer services to ensure its long-term viability. Graber remains optimistic, believing that enough people will support this new paradigm to keep it sustainable. She envisions a future where social media does not have to be inherently toxic, offering users real choices beyond just another platform.The Rise of BlueskyBluesky's ecosystem is diverse, with apps ranging from photo-sharing services like Flashes to joke apps like Flushing.im. This variety showcases the platform's flexibility and potential for innovation. Graber's vision is not just about creating a new platform but about establishing a new paradigm for social media, one that prioritizes user autonomy and decentralization.Jay Graber, born Lantian Graber in 1991 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a multicultural background, with her mother being Chinese and her father Swiss. She developed a strong foundation in computer science at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on decentralized systems and cryptographic protocols. Her career in technology began with roles at SkuChain and Zcash, before she founded Happening, Inc., and eventually became the CEO of Bluesky in 2021.Graber's leadership at Bluesky reflects her commitment to decentralized technologies and user autonomy. Her vision for social media is one where users have control over their data and interactions, free from corporate overreach. As Bluesky continues to grow, it represents a significant alternative to billionaire-owned social media platforms, offering a new model for how social media can operate in the future.
