Social media has become a central part of connecting, sharing ideas, and staying informed. For years, I had a Twitter (now X) that I used occasionally. Still, over time, concerns about privacy, control, and the overall user experience pushed me to explore alternatives.
That journey led me to Mastodon, and I haven’t looked back. I know that many people have been going to Bluesky recently, but I am more of a fan of having control of my own data. I have also looked at Meta’s threads in the past.
Here’s why I made the switch and why you should consider it.
Privacy: Taking Back Control
One of my biggest concerns with mainstream platforms is their approach to privacy. Twitter collects and monetizes vast amounts of user data, feeding algorithms that prioritize ads and content that keeps you scrolling. Mastodon, on the other hand, operates on a decentralized model, meaning there’s no single entity controlling your data or how you interact with the platform.
On Mastodon, your data stays with the instance you choose to join. There are no targeted ads, invasive algorithms, or shareholders dictating what happens to your personal information. For me, this shift felt like reclaiming control over my online presence. With many products nowadays, the company uses your data to make money. Mastodon does not have this issue.
Host Your Own Instance
Mastodon’s decentralized nature gives you options. You can join an existing instance or take things a step further by hosting your own. Self-hosting ensures total control over your content and community, which is a level of freedom that’s virtually unheard of on traditional platforms.
If self-hosting sounds daunting, services like Mastohost simplify the process by handling the technical side for you. Having them take care of hosting and maintenance leaves you free to focus on building your community. For people who do not want to deal with the tech side of things, this is a great solution.
Very Similar to Twitter (Formerly X)
One of the common misconceptions about Mastodon is that it needs to be simplified or familiar. In reality, the platform is remarkably similar to Twitter. You can post text, images, and videos, reply to others, and follow accounts. The timeline is chronological, meaning you see posts from people you follow—without being interrupted by promoted content or random viral tweets.
In fact, the lack of algorithmic interference has made my Mastodon experience more peaceful and focused. The community feels more respectful, and the conversations are often deeper and more meaningful.
Accounts to Follow
To get the most out of Mastodon, it helps to start by finding interesting accounts to follow. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- @Gargron@mastodon.social: The creator of Mastodon often shares updates about the platform.
- @BleepingComputer@infosec.exchange: For cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts.
- @itsfoss@mastodon.social: News about opensource software.
- @npr@flipboard.com: News and stories from around the world, with insightful reporting.
- @Josh@giesing.space: My Mastodon account. Used to share thoughts on interesting news articles and items I find funny.
- @foodanddrink@newsmast.community: feed of items about food.
- @humour@newsmast.community: feed for items tagged as humor.
You can also explore hashtags like #Tech, #Privacy, or #OpenSource to find more communities that align with your interests.
Why Mastodon Stands Out
Switching to Mastodon felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s a platform that respects its users, offers a high level of customization, and fosters genuine connections. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, tired of algorithms, or just curious about what else exists, Mastodon is worth a look.
Ready to give it a try? Visit joinmastodon.org to find an instance that suits you, or dive into hosting your own. Let me know if you make the switch—I’d love to hear about your experience.