Why I choose to switch to Mastodon for microblogging

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Microblogging is a form of social media where users share short updates, typically no more than 280 characters. It is a way for people to share their thoughts, ideas, and information with a wide audience.

Mastodon is an open-source, decentralized microblogging platform. It is similar to Twitter in that users can share updates and interact with others, but there are several key differences that make Mastodon a more appealing option for many users.

Recently Twitter made some changes to their API and shut down 3rd party apps like Tweetbot that I used. This move made me consider alternatives and here are the 5 main reasons that makes me switching to Mastodon for microblogging:

1. Decentralization: Mastodon is decentralized, meaning that there is no central authority controlling the platform. Instead, it is made up of a network of independent servers, or “instances,” that users can join. This allows for greater autonomy and control over the platform and helps to prevent censorship and the suppression of certain voices.
2. Community-driven: Mastodon is also community-driven, which means that users have more control over the content and community on their instance. This allows for a more diverse and inclusive community, as well as the ability to tailor the platform to a specific community or interest.
3. Privacy-friendly: Mastodon is designed with privacy in mind. Users can control who can see their updates, and the platform does not collect or share personal data with third parties. Additionally, Mastodon is built on open-source software, which allows for greater transparency and security.
4. Customizable: Mastodon is highly customizable, allowing users to change the appearance and functionality of their instance. This means that each instance can have its own unique look and feel, and users can choose the features that best suit their needs.
5. Interoperable: Mastodon is interoperable, meaning that users can interact with other users across different instances. This allows for a much larger and more diverse community, and users can easily connect with others with similar interests.

Apps for Mastodon

Mastodon is an open-source platform, which means that developers can create third-party apps for the platform. These apps can be used to enhance the user experience and add new features to the platform. Here are a few examples of third-party apps for Mastodon:

1. Ivory : is a macOS and iOS app created by Tapbots in development at the time I write these lines. Tapbots already created Tweetbot, that is an amazing Twitter client.
2. Toot! : is a mobile app. It has a user-friendly interface and provides features like push notifications, muting/blocking users, and the ability to schedule toots.
3. Tusky : is another mobile app. It provides features like push notifications, muting/blocking users, the ability to schedule toots and the option to reply to toots with emojis and polls.
4. Mastodon.social: is a web-based app that allows users to access Mastodon from their desktop. It provides features like push notifications, muting/blocking users, and the ability to schedule toots. It also has multiple languages support,

These are just a few examples of the third-party apps available for Mastodon. There are many more apps available for the platform, and new ones are being developed all the time. These apps can be a great way to enhance the user experience and add new features to the platform. Some apps may also have specific use cases, such as for accessibility or moderation. The open-source nature of Mastodon allows for a great deal of creativity and innovation in the development of third-party apps.

How to sign up for a Mastodon account

Signing up for a Mastodon account is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps you can follow to create your own Mastodon account:

1. Choose an instance: The first step in signing up for a Mastodon account is to choose an instance. Mastodon is made up of a network of independent servers, or “instances,” that users can join. Each instance has its own set of rules and moderation policies, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your interests and values. You can find a list of instances on the Mastodon website or by searching for “Mastodon instances” on your search engine.
2. Create an account: Once you have chosen an instance, you can create an account by visiting the instance’s website. You will be prompted to enter your email address and create a username and password. You will also be asked to provide a display name and a short bio.
3. Verify your email: After you have created your account, you will receive a verification email. Click on the link in the email to verify your email address.
4. Log in: Once your email is verified, you can log in to your account. You will be taken to your timeline, where you can see updates from other users.
5. Customize your profile: You can customize your profile by uploading a profile picture and header, as well as by adding more information to your bio. You can also follow other users and join groups to connect with like-minded individuals.
6. Start tooting: Once you’ve set up your account, you can start tooting (posting) updates, following other users and interact with the community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mastodon is a decentralized, community-driven and self-moderated microblogging platform that offers a more open and autonomous social media experience than centralized platforms like Twitter. The platform’s decentralized structure allows for greater autonomy and control over the platform, and helps to prevent censorship and the suppression of certain voices. Mastodon’s community-driven approach also allows for a more diverse and inclusive community, as well as the ability to tailor the platform to a specific community or interest. Additionally, the platform’s self-moderation feature allows users to create rules and moderation policies that fit their communities.

As more and more people become concerned with issues such as privacy, censorship and data ownership, Mastodon’s decentralized, community-driven and self-moderated approach is becoming increasingly relevant. The platform’s openness and transparency, enabled by its open-source nature, is also a characteristic that will make Mastodon more future-proof than centralized platforms. These features make Mastodon a great option for those looking for a more open and autonomous social media experience. The growing community of Mastodon users is a testament to the growing popularity and relevance of the platform.

Follow me on Mastodon

Here is my id if you want to follow me on Mastodon : @stephane@pkm.social

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