Into the Blue(Sky)
06 May 2025
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As the UK’s sole trade union representing surgeons and anaesthetists, at the Confederation of British Surgery (CBS) we have a responsibility to ensure that we represent our members in a transparent and collaborative way. As such, we carefully review which social media platforms we use to communicate with our members and to reach new audiences. Social media is a rapidly shifting landscape, and with conversations around surgery and medicine increasingly shaped by it, the platforms we choose to engage on matter - both to us and to our members.
After much consideration, CBS has decided to gradually reduce its use of X (formerly Twitter) and transfer this type of fast-moving conversation and interaction over to Bluesky. This is in response to a growing number of scientific, surgical, academic, and medical accounts making the leap[1]. Bluesky is a decentralised, community-led platform that will allow us to continue meaningful conversation without intrusive algorithms or monetised visibility.
Several articles reveal this shift as a growing trend amongst the communities in which CBS is active. A recent Nature article highlights Bluesky as a thriving (and growing) hub of professional exchange amongst academics, scientists and clinicians.[2] Accounts that have already made the shift include the European Medicines Agency and the European Federation of Journalists, moves which reflect the wider exodus amongst similar professional accounts[3]. This Times Education Article[4] highlights the benefits of researchers and academics having a ‘go-to’ platform to discuss and share research and innovation, a space that Bluesky is increasingly offering, attracting a considerable portion of the scientific community. For us at CBS, this shift presents an opportunity to be part of a centralised space in which we can advocate for surgical professionals whilst sharing important updates from the wider surgical, medical and scientific worlds.
Bluesky is designed around users rather than algorithms. For too long we have been at the mercy of what the algorithm thinks we, and our followers, need to see. Bluesky offers far greater control than X, allowing us to organise our feed in the most useful way to us, as well as to mute specific words and phrases, easily block users, and restrict replies and quotes (if necessary). Although, for the time being, we will continue to post on X, we are encouraging our followers to be the change with us, and to become part of the Bluesky community.
Although such a move may feel daunting, we have found it much easier than anticipated, due to the presence of ‘Starter Packs’ on Bluesky, which allow us to find and follow ‘packs’ of professionals within relevant communities, such as surgeons, anaesthetists, and scientists [6]. With one click, you can follow an existing curated network of accounts, creating a ready-made space for professional conversation. Additionally, Bluesky provides a migration tool which locates your X follows on Bluesky, simplifying what could be a time-consuming transition. The result is a curated feed of relevant conversation.
CBS President, Mark Henley, explains:
“It’s essential that, as a trade union, we help lead the conversation rather than just being part of it. As such, the platforms we use must continue to serve the interests of our members and the wider surgical family, with Bluesky fitting our needs for this next chapter.”
We encourage all members, colleagues, and followers to connect with us on the platforms where we are most active:
We look forward to seeing you there!
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