The Eternal September is Now: Decentralization, Bluesky, and the Future of Online Communities
Over 70% of online communities experience a significant decline in engagement within the first year, often due to an influx of new users unable or unwilling to adapt to existing norms. This echoes the “Eternal September” of the early internet – a period of constant influx that fundamentally altered online culture. But today, the forces at play are far more complex, and the rise of decentralized platforms like Bluesky presents both a potential solution and a new set of challenges.
Understanding the Eternal September
The original Eternal September refers to September 1993, when America Online (AOL) began offering Usenet access to its millions of users. Previously, Usenet had a relatively stable community, largely comprised of university students and tech enthusiasts who understood the established etiquette. AOL’s users, unfamiliar with these norms, flooded the system, leading to a perceived decline in quality and a constant state of “newbie” behavior. This wasn’t simply about a lack of technical skill; it was a clash of cultures.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to Usenet. Every online community, from early forums to modern social media platforms, experiences a similar cycle. Initial growth attracts a core group, establishing a culture. As the community expands, maintaining that culture becomes increasingly difficult. The challenge isn’t preventing growth, but managing the transition.
Decentralization as a Potential Antidote
The appeal of **decentralization**, as explored in a recent discussion on the Computer Says Maybe podcast with Mike and Alix Dunn, lies in its potential to mitigate the Eternal September effect. Platforms like Bluesky, built on the AT Protocol, aim to distribute control away from a single entity and empower users to create and moderate their own spaces. This allows for the emergence of smaller, more focused communities with stronger cultural cohesion.
However, decentralization isn’t a magic bullet. Simply distributing the infrastructure doesn’t automatically solve the cultural problem. In fact, it can exacerbate it. Without effective moderation tools and mechanisms for establishing shared norms, decentralized platforms can quickly become fragmented and overrun with spam, harassment, or simply irrelevant content. The challenge lies in building decentralized governance systems that are both robust and flexible.
The Role of Reputation Systems
One promising approach is the development of sophisticated reputation systems. These systems, often leveraging blockchain technology, can allow users to build and maintain a verifiable track record of positive contributions. This reputation can then be used to influence moderation decisions, prioritize content, and even grant access to exclusive communities. Projects like SourceCred are exploring these possibilities, offering a glimpse into a future where online reputation is a valuable asset. Learn more about SourceCred.
Beyond Technology: The Human Element
While technology plays a crucial role, the Eternal September is fundamentally a human problem. Effective community building requires more than just clever algorithms and decentralized infrastructure. It demands active participation from community leaders, clear communication of norms, and a willingness to enforce those norms fairly and consistently.
This is where the lessons from the early internet are particularly relevant. The original Usenet communities thrived because they were self-governing. Users took ownership of the space and actively worked to maintain its quality. Replicating that sense of ownership in larger, more diverse communities is a significant challenge, but it’s essential for long-term sustainability.
The Future of Online Identity
The rise of decentralized identity solutions, like those being explored within the Web3 space, could also play a role. By allowing users to control their own digital identities and selectively reveal information to different communities, these solutions could help to foster trust and accountability. Imagine a system where your reputation in one community doesn’t automatically transfer to another, allowing you to build a tailored identity for each space.
The conversation around decentralization, Bluesky, and the Eternal September isn’t just about technology; it’s about the future of online interaction. It’s about creating spaces where meaningful connections can thrive, where diverse perspectives are valued, and where communities can self-organize and flourish. The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater.
What strategies do you think will be most effective in combating the Eternal September in the age of decentralized social media? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
