The Conversation Weekly How does decentralised social media work?
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Feb 13, 2025 Robert Gehl, Ontario Research Chair of Digital Governance at York University, dives into the exciting realm of decentralized social media. He discusses the user migration from Twitter to alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky, highlighting the benefits of user control and privacy. Gehl explores the challenges of decentralization, including governance and engagement, while addressing how these platforms are reshaping online interactions. He also reflects on the implications for free speech and the potential for fostering healthier digital communities.
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News and Neutrality
- News organizations value objectivity and neutrality.
- Musk's politicization of X/Twitter made it less suitable for news dissemination.
Fediverse Explained
- The Fediverse, like email, uses a federated system.
- Independent servers communicate using a shared protocol (ActivityPub), enabling interoperability.
Blue Sky's Decentralization
- Blue Sky replicates some of Twitter's features and offers control over algorithms.
- Its centralized infrastructure and reliance on costly servers raise concerns about true decentralization.