Emerging Digital Spaces: The Case of Bluesky’s Rise During 2024 Brazilian Elections

ARTHUR BUZELIN, Pedro Augusto Torres Bento, Yan Aquino, Arthur Chagas, Pedro Robles Dutenhefner, Samira Malaquias, Victoria Estanislau, Lucas Dayrell, Marcelo Sartori Locatelli, Gisele L. Pappa, Wagner Meira Jr.

Abstract:

This paper examines political discourse on Bluesky during Brazil’s
2024 municipal elections, following the unexpected Twitter ban in the country.
Using keyword-based data collection and embedding-based sentiment analysis
(WEAT), we analyze user perceptions and their evolution across electoral
phases. Our findings reveal significant shifts in candidate popularity, closely
tied to electoral outcomes and broader ideological trends, with clear patterns of
polarization. Notably, candidate sentiment fluctuated between election rounds,
reflecting both victories and defeats. This study highlights Bluesky’s emerging
role in digital political engagement when mainstream platforms are disrupted.