Bluesky, a social network platform, is set to introduce a new feature that will give its users more control over who can reply to their posts. According to Bluesky developer Paul Frazee, the platform will soon add a "Followers Only" setting, allowing users to limit replies to their followers only.

This update will enable users to configure their default reply settings, providing them with more flexibility and control over their online interactions. For instance, users can choose to always limit their replies to followers only, ensuring that only those who are interested in their content can engage with it.

The introduction of this feature is significant, as it differentiates Bluesky from its largest competitors, Elon Musk's X and Meta's Threads. While X allows users to choose between "Everyone," "Accounts you follow," "Verified accounts," and "Only accounts you mention," Threads offers options like "Anyone," "Profiles you follow," and "Mentioned only." Bluesky, on the other hand, has adopted a similar set of settings, allowing users to limit replies to their posts to "Everybody," "Nobody," "Mentioned Users," and "Followed Users."

The "Followers Only" reply option is a new twist, and one that Frazee believes could help make "going viral less intense" while also reducing "context collapse." Context collapse refers to when a viral post expands its reach far beyond the original target audience, leading to misunderstandings or confusion. By limiting replies to followers only, users can ensure that their content is engaged with by those who are genuinely interested in it.

It's worth noting that the "Followers Only" setting will only limit who can respond to a post, not who can view it. This means that users can still share their content with a wider audience, while maintaining control over who can engage with it.

The demand for a "Followers Only" reply option has been building among Bluesky users for some time. In fact, Frazee himself was discussing the idea with a user as far back as December 2023. The underlying AT Protocol that powers Bluesky will also be upgraded to support the feature further down the road.

The introduction of this feature is a significant development in the social media landscape, as it acknowledges the importance of user control and agency in online interactions. By providing users with more granular control over their content, Bluesky is positioning itself as a platform that prioritizes user experience and community building.

As social media platforms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this new feature and how it impacts the overall user experience on Bluesky. One thing is certain, however: the introduction of the "Followers Only" reply option marks a significant step forward in the platform's mission to create a more inclusive and user-friendly online environment.