Bluesky launches the ‘Dislike’ button to improve the algorithm
In direct competition with Threads and X, the social network Bluesky has just announced a significant milestone of 40 million users.
However, the real news is the upcoming introduction of a “Dislike” button—not intended to punish posts, but to assist the algorithm in better understanding user preferences.
Dislikes for improving personalization, not for controversy
Bluesky clarifies that this new feedback will help refine content ranking in the Discover and Home feeds. In other words, the more you “dislike” certain posts, the better the system will understand what you don’t want to see—whether it’s specific topics, conversational tones, or particular accounts.
These interactions will impact:
- Content ranking in news feeds,
- Prioritization of replies in discussions,
- And generally, the overall personalization experience on the platform.
Bluesky states that this feature will be rolled out first as a beta test in the coming weeks, followed by a wider release.
Enhanced moderation tools and better conversation management
The platform, built on a decentralized model, continues to emphasize tailored moderation: each user or community can define its own rules through third-party moderation services.
Currently, Bluesky already offers:
- Moderation lists to bulk block multiple accounts,
- Customizable content filters,
- Keyword blocking,
- And the ability to subscribe to other moderation providers.
Another popular tool is the option to detach quotes (“quote posts”) to prevent waves of mockery and typical Twitter-style “dunks.”
Bluesky now maps your ‘social neighborhoods’
Additionally, the company is developing a new analysis system called “Social Neighborhoods.” This system maps connections between frequently interacting users to prioritize responses from those “close to your social neighborhood.”
The goal: to make discussion threads more coherent, relevant, and familiar, unlike some platforms like Threads, where conversations can seem disjointed or incoherent.
Enhanced detection of toxic or off-topic content
Bluesky indicates that its new detection model now allows for better identification and demotion of:
- Toxic or aggressive responses,
- Spam and off-topic messages,
- And disingenuous posts.
These messages will be less visible in discussion threads, search results, and notifications.
New navigation and response options
Some additional improvements are also on the way:
- The “Reply” button will now direct users to the complete discussion before replying, encouraging context reading and reducing redundant responses.
- Response settings (who can comment on your posts) will be more visible so that users can easily manage their visibility.
Amid rapid expansion, Bluesky aims to differentiate from X and Threads by not relying on an opaque algorithm but rather on user-controlled personalization.
The “Dislikes” are not intended for punishment or negativity, but for refining what users want to see or avoid.
By emphasizing individual control and the quality of interactions, Bluesky is positioning itself as the healthiest and most customizable social network available today.
