A Verified.org Guide to Getting Started With Mastodon

1. Why Would I Want to Use Mastodon?
2. Do I Need to Choose a Mastodon Instance to Signup?
3. How Do I Choose a Mastodon Instance?
4. What are some of the most Popular Mastodon Instances?
5. Who Owns Mastodon?
6. Are There Apps for Mastodon or Do I Need to Use the Website?
7. Is Mastodon Safe to Use?
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Mastodon is a decentralized, open-source social media platform that operates on a network of servers, allowing users to host and join communities, called “instances". It's similar to Twitter, and has grown quickly during 2022-23 as the events of the change of ownership in Twitter motivated a lot of people to try Mastodon.

Why Would I Want to Use Mastodon?

People use Mastodon for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Decentralization: Mastodon is a decentralized platform that operates on a network of independent servers, giving users greater control over their data and online experience.
2. Community building: Mastodon encourages users to join communities, called "instances," based on shared interests and values, providing a more intimate and engaging social media experience.
3. Privacy: Mastodon has a strong commitment to privacy and security, using encryption to protect user data and communications, and allowing users to control who can see and interact with their content.
4. Customization: Mastodon allows for greater customization of the user experience, including the ability to use custom emojis, change the appearance of the platform, and access additional features through third-party apps.
5. Freedom of speech: Mastodon has a more relaxed approach to moderation compared to other social media platforms, allowing users to express themselves freely and openly, as long as they adhere to the rules and policies of their instance.
   Ultimately, people use Mastodon to connect with others, express themselves, and engage with a more diverse and inclusive online community.

Do I Need to Choose a Mastodon Instance to Signup?

Yes, to use Mastodon, you need to choose and sign up for an instance, each of which operates independently and has its own set of rules and moderation policies. You can search for instances that align with your interests and values, and you can even join multiple instances and interact with users across the Mastodon network.

How Do I Choose a Mastodon Instance?

When choosing a Mastodon instance, there are several key factors to consider, including:

1. Community: Look for an instance that aligns with your interests, values, and beliefs, and that has a community that is active, welcoming, and supportive.

2. Moderation policies: Review the moderation policies of each instance to make sure that they align with your values and that the type of content that is allowed is in line with what you feel comfortable sharing.

3. Privacy: Consider the privacy policies of each instance and look for one that has strong encryption and data protection measures in place.

4. Features: Review the features offered by each instance, such as support for custom emojis, themes, and third-party apps.

5. Performance: Consider the performance of each instance, including its uptime and response time, to ensure that it is reliable and responsive.

6. Sustainability: Look for an instance that is well-maintained and financially sustainable, and consider donating to help support the platform if you can.

It's a good idea to try out a few different instances and see which one feels the best fit for you. Mastodon is a decentralized network, so you can easily switch between instances if you find that one is not a good fit. Additionally, you can join multiple instances and switch between them based on your needs and interests.

What are some of the most Popular Mastodon Instances?

It's difficult to determine the most popular Mastodon instances, as the platform is decentralized and user numbers can vary greatly from instance to instance. However, some of the larger and more well-known instances include:

• mastodon.social: One of the original instances and one of the largest, with a large and diverse community.
• glitch.social: An instance that has a strong focus on technology and coding, and is popular among developers and tech enthusiasts.
• fosstodon.org: Mastodon instance that is open to anyone who is interested in technology; particularly free & open source software.
• Fediscience.org: Fediscience is a social network for publishing scientists. Everyone is welcome to join from PhD student to professor, as well as researchers from outside of academia..
• Universeodon.com: Universeodon.com is for those who have a little curiosity. The kind of person who enjoys edutainment, reads books, watches science shows and loves to connect with people who view the universe through wonder.

Who Owns Mastodon?

Mastodon is an open-source project, which means that it is not owned by any one individual or company. Instead, it is developed and maintained by a community of volunteer contributors and is governed by the principles of the free software movement. This means that the code is publicly available, and anyone can contribute to its development or start their own instance. Mastodon is designed to be a decentralized platform that is owned and controlled by its users, rather than a centralized organization.

Are There Apps for Mastodon or Do I Need to Use the Website?

Both options are available for Mastodon. The platform can be accessed through its official website, and there are also a variety of third-party apps that can be used to access Mastodon on both iOS and Android devices. These apps offer a more convenient way to use Mastodon on the go and can provide additional features, such as push notifications and the ability to manage multiple accounts. Some popular Mastodon apps include Tusky, Amaroq, and Toot!

Is Mastodon Safe to Use?

Mastodon is generally considered safe to use, but like with any online platform, there are certain risks and safety concerns to be aware of. Mastodon has a strong commitment to privacy and security, and it uses encryption to protect user data and communications. However, like with any online platform, users should still be cautious when sharing personal information and be mindful of online scams and phishing attempts.

Additionally, it's important to choose an instance that aligns with your values and has clear rules and moderation policies, as well as to be mindful of the language and content you share, as instances can vary in their moderation policies and the type of content that is allowed.

Overall, Mastodon can be a safe and secure platform to use, as long as users take the necessary precautions and use the platform responsibly.