A recent surge of users migrating from Twitter to alternative platforms, such as Mastodon, raised questions regarding what migration patterns are, how different platforms impact user behaviors, and how migrated users settle in the migration process. In this study, we elaborate on how we investigate these questions by collecting data over 10,000 users who migrated from Twitter to Mastodon within the first ten weeks following the ownership change of Twitter. Our research is structured in three primary steps. First, we develop algorithms to extract and analyze migration patterns. Second, by leveraging behavioral analysis, we examine the distinct architectures of Twitter and Mastodon to learn how user behaviors correspond with the characteristics of each platform. Last, we determine how particular behavioral factors influence users to stay on Mastodon. We share our findings of user migration, insights, and lessons learned from the user behavior study.

After Twitter's ownership change and policy shifts, many users reconsidered their go-to social media outlets and platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky, and Threads became attractive alternatives in the battle for users. Based on the data from over 14,000 users who migrated to these platforms within the first eight weeks after the launch of Threads, our study examines: (1) distinguishing attributes of Twitter users who migrated, compared to non-migrants; (2) temporal migration patterns and associated challenges for sustainable migration faced by each platform; and (3) how these new platforms are perceived in relation to Twitter. Our research proceeds in three stages. First, we examine migration from a broad perspective, not just one-to-one migration. Second, we leverage behavioral analysis to pinpoint the distinct migration pattern of each platform. Last, we employ a Large Language Model (LLM) to discern stances towards each platform and correlate them with the platform usage. This in-depth analysis illuminates migration patterns amid competition across social media platforms.