Mastodon: What is this alternative social network to Twitter and how does it work?

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is an alternative social network to Twitter that has gained popularity in recent years. It was launched in 2016 by Eugen Rochko and has become a digital space where thousands of people come together to share similar interests.

How does Mastodon work?

Mastodon works in a similar way to Twitter, but with some key differences. Rather than being a single centralized platform, Mastodon is a decentralized network made up of multiple servers known as “instances.” Each instance is managed by a community and has its own specific rules and features.

The main features of Mastodon are as follows:

1. Toots instead of Tweets: On Mastodon, posts are called "toots" rather than "tweets." These toots can contain text, images, videos, and links, just like on Twitter.

2. Activity protocol: Mastodon uses the activity protocol known as ActivityPub, which allows communication and interaction between different instances of Mastodon and other supported social networks.

3. Larger character limitUnlike Twitter, Mastodon doesn't have a strict 280-character limit. Each instance can decide its own character limit, allowing users to write longer toots if they choose.

4. Chronological timeline: Mastodon displays toots in chronological order, meaning users will see the most recent posts at the top of their timeline.

5. Content controlMastodon allows users to filter and control the content they want to see on their timeline. It also provides tools to block or mute other users.

6. Privacy and security: Mastodon cares about the privacy and security of its users. Each instance has its own privacy policy and security measures.

Why use Mastodon?

Mastodon offers an alternative social media experience to Twitter and other more popular platforms. Some of the reasons why people choose to use Mastodon are as follows:

• Decentralization: Mastodon is not controlled by a single entity, meaning there is no single company that controls the platform and user data.

• Greater controlMastodon users have more control over their experience on the platform. They can choose an instance that aligns with their values and preferences, and have the ability to block or mute other users based on their needs.

• Specific communitiesMastodon offers a wide variety of instances that focus on different topics or specific interests. This allows users to find and connect with people who share their same passions.

• Without recommendation algorithmsUnlike Twitter, Mastodon does not use recommendation algorithms to show content to users. This means there is no algorithmic manipulation of the timeline and users see only content from people they follow.

How to join Mastodon?

To join Mastodon, all you need to do is sign up for an instance. You can choose an instance that suits your interests or create your own instance.

Once registered, you'll be able to follow other people, interact with their toots, and create your own posts. Mastodon gives you the freedom to connect with people from all over the world and be part of a more diverse and autonomous online community.

In short, Mastodon is an alternative social network to Twitter that stands out for its decentralization, its emphasis on privacy and security, and its emphasis on specific communities. If you are looking for a different and more controlled social networking experience, Mastodon may be the perfect choice for you.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use Mastodon and Twitter at the same time?
   Yes, you can use Mastodon and Twitter at the same time. Both platforms offer unique and different social media experiences, so you can decide to use both depending on your needs and preferences.

2. Is Mastodon completely free?
   Yes, Mastodon is a free and open source platform. However, some instances may have their own policies or optional subscription plans to cover maintenance costs.

3. Can I migrate my Twitter followers to Mastodon?
   There is no built-in feature to automatically migrate your Twitter followers to Mastodon. However, you can share your new Mastodon account on Twitter and encourage your followers to join you on this new platform.

4. Is there an official Mastodon app?
   There is no official Mastodon app, but there are several third-party apps available for iOS and Android that offer an easy-to-use interface for accessing Mastodon on your mobile device.