Bluesky Introduces Direct Messaging Feature
Bluesky has recently launched its new direct messaging (DM) feature, allowing users to have private one-on-one conversations directly within the app. This highly anticipated feature was announced earlier this month and has now been rolled out and shared on the Bluesky roadmap blog.
To start a private chat, users can simply click on the chat icon located at the bottom of the screen for mobile users or on the sidebar for desktop users. Initiating a new chat is as easy as clicking the plus icon on mobile or selecting “New chat” on desktop. Users can search for the person they want to message and hit send once their message is ready.
Key features of Bluesky DMs include:
– Default settings only allow accounts you follow to send you direct messages.
– Customize your settings to receive messages from no one, only people you follow, or all Bluesky users.
– Easily block users directly from the DM feature.
– Users who have been blocked cannot send you messages.
Currently, Bluesky DMs support text messages only, with plans to add support for images and other media formats in the future. Group messaging and end-to-end encryption are also in the pipeline, with more details outlined in Bluesky’s 2024 protocol roadmap. The platform is dedicated to continuously enhancing anti-harassment and safety measures for direct messages.
In terms of safety, Bluesky has implemented measures to ensure user safety. Users can report DMs directly to moderators, who will review them for any violations of Community Guidelines. Consequences for violations range from temporary or permanent loss of DM privileges to account removal. While moderation may involve accessing DMs in rare cases to investigate abuse patterns, this is done with strict internal tracking and limitations.
The introduction of DMs on Bluesky marks a significant milestone in expanding the platform’s features and offering users a more complete social media experience. As Bluesky continues to enhance this feature, users can look forward to a more stable, secure, and versatile DM experience in the future.
