Bluesky Faces User Backlash Over Moderation Amid Waffle Meme Surge

A recent wave of waffle-themed posts on the social media platform Bluesky has sparked a broader discussion about the platform's culture and moderation policies. The trend began with a humorous remark by Jerry Chen mocking the sanctimonious tone on Bluesky, which Bluesky CEO Jay Graber acknowledged, expressing a desire to improve social media dynamics. Central to the controversy is the presence of Jessie Singal, a contentious figure due to his views on transgender issues, who faced a Change.org petition with over 28,000 signatures calling for his ban; Singal was once the most-blocked user on Bluesky before being surpassed by Vice President JD Vance. Graber has taken a firm stance against harassment aimed at moderators and users, often responding playfully or sarcastically to criticism regarding platform governance. Users have raised concerns that Bluesky's updated community guidelines appear to favor high-profile accounts like Singal's while restricting marginalized groups, fueling a sense of alienation among early community members. This ongoing tension highlights a rift between Bluesky's leadership and its user base, with some suggesting the company is distancing itself from its complex, evolving community dynamics.