Decentralized Social Networks
Bubble
Experiential
Ideological
Decentralized social networks are online communities that operate on federated protocols, allowing users across independent servers (in...Show more
Decentralized Social Networks
Bubble
ExperientialIdeological
Decentralized social networks are online communities that operate on federated protocols, allowing users across independent servers (instances) to interact seamlessly. These networks prioritize user sovereignty, resisting centralized control by distributing governance and content hosting.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
1.3M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
This bubble revolves around decentralized social networks where users connect on independently operated platforms that interlink through open protocols, fostering autonomy and privacy.
Community Q&A
This bubble revolves around decentralized social networks where users connect on independently operated platforms that interlink through open protocols, fostering autonomy and privacy.
Communities self-organize around individual instances but communicate across the wider Fediverse, often using hashtags, custom content warnings, and public timelines.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Instance Identity
Identity MarkersMembers strongly identify with their specific server instance, treating it as a close-knit community rather than just a hosting location, deeply influencing their social interactions and allegiance within the Fediverse.
Moderation Battles
Community DynamicsPublic moderation disputes ('federation drama') shape community boundaries and can lead to 'defederation,' where instances sever ties over conflicting governance values.
Autonomy Rituals
Social NormsPractices like 'instance hopping' and self-hosting are not just technical but serve as rituals affirming commitment to user sovereignty and resistance to central control.
Network Policing
Gatekeeping PracticesAdmins wield gatekeeping power by controlling federation links and deciding which instances to trust or block, maintaining ideological coherence and technical compatibility.
Sub Groups
Mastodon Instance Admins
Operators and moderators of individual Mastodon servers, focused on governance and technical maintenance.
Protocol Developers
Developers working on ActivityPub, Matrix, and other federated protocols powering decentralized social networks.
Lemmy Community Moderators
Moderators and power users of Lemmy instances, shaping community norms and content.
Advocacy & Privacy Enthusiasts
Users and activists promoting decentralization, privacy, and open web principles.
Event & Conference Organizers
Individuals and groups organizing meetups, panels, and talks at tech conferences about decentralized social networking.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 2
Mastodon
45%Mastodon is the flagship decentralized social network, with its entire community built around federated, user-run instances.
Lemmy
20%Lemmy is a decentralized, federated alternative to Reddit, attracting a significant portion of the decentralized social network community.
Niche Forums
10%Independent web forums and message boards are used by advocates and developers to discuss protocols, governance, and technical issues related to decentralized social networks.
Discussion Forumsonline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Long live decentralization!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Insider
It's a rallying cry celebrating the core principle that users own their data, not corporations.
Outsider
Oh, I see — that's pretty inspiring!
Cultural Context
This greeting emphasizes the community’s commitment to self-governance and personal data sovereignty, core values in decentralized networks.
Inside Jokes
"Don't forget to bring your goats to the instance meetup!"
Goats are the Mastodon mascot, so jokingly telling people to bring goats refers to bringing their Mastodon presence or spirit—it's a lighthearted symbol among users.
"Another instance down? Time for instance hopping!"
Mocks the frequent migration some users do when their preferred server undergoes moderation changes or technical issues, showing tolerance through humor.
Facts & Sayings
„Welcome to the Fediverse!“
A common greeting signaling inclusion into the decentralized social network community called the Fediverse, emphasizing interconnected but autonomous platforms.
„Instance hopping“
Refers to users moving from one server to another within the Fediverse, often due to moderation policies or community culture changes.
„Defederation alert!“
A warning or announcement when a server chooses to sever federation ties with another, often over disputes related to content or moderation.
„Keep your toots toot-worthy“
A playful encouragement to make Mastodon posts (‘toots’) meaningful or high quality, reflecting community standards of thoughtful communication.
Unwritten Rules
Respect other instance's moderation policies.
Even when users disagree, acknowledging each instance's right to self-govern maintains federation harmony and mutual respect.
Avoid unsolicited cross-posting or spamming other instances.
Promotes community goodwill and prevents disruptive behaviors that could lead to defederation or bans.
Identify yourself clearly when engaging in federation debates.
Transparency about your instance and intentions builds trust and constructive dialogue within this tight-knit culture.
Use appropriate tags and content warnings.
Signaling potentially sensitive or triggering content via CW (content warning) respects diverse community sensibilities and improves inclusivity.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Anika, 29
Software DeveloperfemaleAnika is a passionate developer from Berlin who contributes code and tools to several decentralized social network projects, advocating for user privacy and open-source collaboration.
PrivacyTransparencyUser Autonomy
Motivations
- Promoting digital privacy and user control
- Contributing to open-source projects
- Building resilient social platforms
Challenges
- Balancing usability with decentralized complexity
- Convincing mainstream users to adopt decentralized platforms
- Navigating protocol interoperability issues
Platforms
Developer mailing listsMatrix and IRC channelsGitHub Discussions
federationinstancesMastodonActivityPubnodes
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Technologies
ActivityPub
W3C-standard protocol for client-server and server-server federated social networking, now the most widely adopted federated API.↗
W3C StandardFediverse BackboneHTTPS API
OStatus
Early federated social networking suite combining Atom feeds, PubSubHubbub, Salmon and WebFinger, predecessor to ActivityPub.↗
Legacy ProtocolAtom-BasedPush Subscriptions
Secure Scuttlebutt
Peer-to-peer append-only log protocol that syncs over direct links (LAN, Internet), creating a decentralized timeline without servers.
P2P LogOffline-FirstCryptographic Feed
Matrix
Open standard for real-time communication with federation, widely used for chat but extensible to social features.
Real-Time ChatBridging HubExtensible Spec
Pump.io
Lightweight federated microblogging protocol and reference implementation by Evan Prodromou that influenced later specs.
Microblog APIEvan ProdromouProto-federation
1 / 3
1 / 3
Technologies
ActivityPub
W3C-standard protocol for client-server and server-server federated social networking, now the most widely adopted federated API.↗
W3C StandardFediverse BackboneHTTPS API
OStatus
Early federated social networking suite combining Atom feeds, PubSubHubbub, Salmon and WebFinger, predecessor to ActivityPub.↗
Legacy ProtocolAtom-BasedPush Subscriptions
Secure Scuttlebutt
Peer-to-peer append-only log protocol that syncs over direct links (LAN, Internet), creating a decentralized timeline without servers.
P2P LogOffline-FirstCryptographic Feed
Matrix
Open standard for real-time communication with federation, widely used for chat but extensible to social features.
Real-Time ChatBridging HubExtensible Spec
Pump.io
Lightweight federated microblogging protocol and reference implementation by Evan Prodromou that influenced later specs.
Microblog APIEvan ProdromouProto-federation
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Understand Decentralization Concepts
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Learn core ideas: federation, protocols, user control, and how decentralized networks differ from centralized ones.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the foundational concepts that underpin decentralized social networks. This means understanding what federation is (multiple independent servers communicating), the protocols involved (like ActivityPub), and why user sovereignty matters. Read introductory articles, watch explainer videos, and browse FAQs from community-run wikis. Beginners often struggle with jargon and technical distinctions, so take notes and revisit confusing terms. Focus on grasping why decentralization is pursued—privacy, autonomy, and resistance to censorship. This step is crucial for meaningful participation, as it frames all further engagement. Evaluate your progress by being able to explain, in your own words, how decentralized networks differ from mainstream platforms and what federation enables.
2
Explore Popular Federated Platforms
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Browse and compare major decentralized networks (e.g., Mastodon, PeerTube) to see their features and cultures.
Details: Next, actively explore the landscape of federated platforms. Visit public directories and demo instances to see how platforms like Mastodon, PeerTube, or Pixelfed operate. Compare their interfaces, user experiences, and community norms. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the variety, so focus on observing rather than joining immediately. Take note of which platforms align with your interests—some are text-focused, others prioritize video or images. This step helps you identify where you might want to participate and exposes you to the diversity within the bubble. Progress is measured by your ability to articulate the differences between at least two major platforms and identify one that interests you for deeper engagement.
3
Choose and Join an Instance
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Select a server (instance) on your chosen platform, considering its rules, focus, and moderation style, then create an account.
Details: After surveying the landscape, choose a specific instance (server) to join. Each instance has its own community guidelines, moderation approach, and thematic focus. Read their about pages and rules carefully—some are generalist, others cater to specific interests or values. Beginners often rush this step and end up in communities that don’t fit their expectations, so take your time. Register an account, set up your profile, and introduce yourself if the community encourages it. This step is vital for authentic engagement, as your instance shapes your initial experience and connections. Evaluate your progress by successfully creating an account, understanding your instance’s culture, and making your first post or introduction.
1
Understand Decentralization Concepts
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Learn core ideas: federation, protocols, user control, and how decentralized networks differ from centralized ones.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the foundational concepts that underpin decentralized social networks. This means understanding what federation is (multiple independent servers communicating), the protocols involved (like ActivityPub), and why user sovereignty matters. Read introductory articles, watch explainer videos, and browse FAQs from community-run wikis. Beginners often struggle with jargon and technical distinctions, so take notes and revisit confusing terms. Focus on grasping why decentralization is pursued—privacy, autonomy, and resistance to censorship. This step is crucial for meaningful participation, as it frames all further engagement. Evaluate your progress by being able to explain, in your own words, how decentralized networks differ from mainstream platforms and what federation enables.
2
Explore Popular Federated Platforms
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Browse and compare major decentralized networks (e.g., Mastodon, PeerTube) to see their features and cultures.
Details: Next, actively explore the landscape of federated platforms. Visit public directories and demo instances to see how platforms like Mastodon, PeerTube, or Pixelfed operate. Compare their interfaces, user experiences, and community norms. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the variety, so focus on observing rather than joining immediately. Take note of which platforms align with your interests—some are text-focused, others prioritize video or images. This step helps you identify where you might want to participate and exposes you to the diversity within the bubble. Progress is measured by your ability to articulate the differences between at least two major platforms and identify one that interests you for deeper engagement.
3
Choose and Join an Instance
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Select a server (instance) on your chosen platform, considering its rules, focus, and moderation style, then create an account.
Details: After surveying the landscape, choose a specific instance (server) to join. Each instance has its own community guidelines, moderation approach, and thematic focus. Read their about pages and rules carefully—some are generalist, others cater to specific interests or values. Beginners often rush this step and end up in communities that don’t fit their expectations, so take your time. Register an account, set up your profile, and introduce yourself if the community encourages it. This step is vital for authentic engagement, as your instance shapes your initial experience and connections. Evaluate your progress by successfully creating an account, understanding your instance’s culture, and making your first post or introduction.
4
Engage in Community Discussions
1 weekIntermediate
Summary: Participate in conversations, reply to posts, and follow users both within and beyond your instance to build connections.
Details: Now, start actively engaging with the community. Read posts, reply thoughtfully, and follow users whose content interests you. Explore federation by interacting with users on other instances—this is a unique aspect of decentralized networks. Beginners sometimes hesitate to participate, fearing mistakes or etiquette breaches. Overcome this by observing how established members interact and asking questions if unsure. Use platform features like hashtags or local/global timelines to discover discussions. This step is essential for building relationships and understanding the social dynamics of the bubble. Progress is evident when you have ongoing conversations, receive replies, and start to recognize familiar users across instances.
5
Learn About Privacy and Security
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Study privacy settings, data ownership, and best practices for safe participation in decentralized environments.
Details: Finally, deepen your understanding of privacy and security within decentralized networks. Review your platform’s privacy controls, learn how data is stored and shared, and understand the implications of federation for your information. Beginners often overlook this step, risking oversharing or misunderstanding how public their posts are. Consult community guides and discussions about best practices—such as using strong passwords, managing visibility settings, and understanding moderation/reporting tools. This knowledge is crucial for protecting yourself and respecting others’ boundaries. Assess your progress by being able to adjust your privacy settings confidently and explain to others how data flows in your chosen network.
Welcoming Practices
„Fediverse newbie tag or welcome message“
New users are often welcomed with specific hashtags or direct messages that guide them to community resources, signaling inclusive onboarding.
„Instance introduction posts“
It's common for new users or instance admins to introduce themselves publicly on their server or cross-post, fostering open communication and community bonds.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring instance moderation rules when posting content.
Always read your instance’s guidelines carefully; violating them can lead to suspension or defederation from other communities.
Assuming all Fediverse platforms function the same way.
Explore and learn differences between instances and platforms (e.g., Mastodon vs. Pleroma) to participate effectively and respectfully.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Running or administrating an instance
Being an instance admin shows technical skill and dedication, earning respect from the community and influencing federated governance.
Contributing to open-source projects
Developing or improving software related to decentralized protocols boosts credibility as a core community member and thought leader.
Active participation in federation discussions and moderation
Engagement in debates about governance, ethics, and interoperability marks someone as a serious advocate invested in the network’s future.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American instances often focus heavily on free speech debates and scalability challenges associated with rapid user growth.
Europe
European servers frequently emphasize data privacy laws like GDPR, leading to stricter moderation policies and data handling practices.
Asia
In parts of Asia, decentralized networks incorporate multilingual instances and sometimes hybrid moderation models reflecting local cultural norms.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Decentralized social networks are just fragmented alternatives to big platforms and not truly connected.
Reality
Though made up of independent servers, these networks interoperate seamlessly via open protocols like ActivityPub, allowing users to interact cross-instance like a unified whole.
Misconception #2
The Fediverse is anarchic and unmoderated, leading to rampant harmful content.
Reality
Instances self-govern and moderate individually, often with careful community consensus and transparency, balancing freedom with responsibility.
Misconception #3
Only tech-savvy users can participate in these networks.
Reality
While initially popular among technologists, user-friendly apps and onboarding processes have made them accessible to a much broader audience.
Clothing & Styles
T-shirts with Fediverse logos or slogans
Worn by community members at conferences or meetups to signal pride in decentralization and open social networking values.
