Why Decentralised Social Media Is the Future
Social media shapes how we connect, share ideas, and learn from each other. Yet, too often, these platforms feel like walled gardens, controlled by companies that put profit before people. I believe decentralised services, like email or websites, are the answer. They give users control, encourage innovation, and protect privacy in ways that today’s big platforms struggle to match.
The Decline of Reddit
Reddit, once a vibrant hub for communities, has taken a troubling turn. Recent changes have broken beloved third-party apps, leaving users frustrated and disconnected. These apps offered tailored ways to browse and engage, but Reddit’s decisions prioritised control over user experience. The result? A platform that feels less open and less welcoming.
Companies like Reddit forget a key truth: they exist because of their users. People ask questions, share stories, post memes, and build communities. Without us, these platforms would fade away, like MySpace or Hyves, a small Dutch social media site from years past. Even Facebook has lost some of its shine over time.
The Profit Problem
Why do platforms make choices that upset their users? It boils down to money. Companies need to make profits for shareholders, often through ads or, worse, by creating detailed user profiles and selling them to the highest bidder. The ad tech industry, which thrives on collecting vast amounts of personal data, needs serious reform—perhaps even a ban. The sheer volume of information gathered about us is staggering. (I’ve got a draft post on this for another day.)
Centralised platforms put their financial goals first, often eroding user trust. Decentralised systems offer a better way.
A Bright Spot: Threads and ActivityPub
I was excited to see Facebook launch Threads, a platform tied to Instagram. What sets it apart is its use of ActivityPub, the same protocol behind Mastodon, a decentralised social network. This could let Mastodon users follow Threads accounts and vice versa, creating a seamless web of connections. Imagine celebrities, businesses, or friends interacting across platforms without being trapped in one company’s ecosystem. This kind of openness shows what decentralisation can achieve.
Governments and Organisations Embrace Decentralisation
The potential of decentralised social media is gaining traction. I recently discovered that the Dutch government runs its own Mastodon server: https://social.overheid.nl/public/local. This is thrilling. Further research revealed other governments and organisations doing the same, each offering instant verification to prove someone truly represents their group. No more wondering if an account is genuine.
Here are some examples:
Governments
- European Union: https://social.network.europa.eu/public/local
- Dutch government: https://social.overheid.nl/public/local
- German government: https://social.bund.de/public/local
- Municipality of Amsterdam: https://social.amsterdam.nl/public/local
News Organisations
- ARD (German): https://ard.social/public/local
- Groene Amsterdamer (Dutch): https://social.groene.nl/public/local
Universities
- MIT: https://mastodon.mit.edu/
Other Organisations
- W3C: https://w3c.social/public/local
- Greenpeace Switzerland: https://mastodon.greenpeace.ch
Know of others? Share them in the comments, and I’ll update this list.
Beyond Microblogging: A Decentralised Future
Microblogging is just the start. Other centralised platforms need decentralised alternatives to give users more freedom and choice. Here are some exciting projects already making a difference:
- PeerTube: A decentralised alternative to YouTube for hosting and sharing videos.
- Pixelfed: A photo-sharing platform like Instagram, built on decentralised principles.
- Lemmy: A Reddit alternative where communities run their own servers, keeping discussions open and free.
Why This Matters
Decentralised social media hands power back to users. It breaks the cycle of companies locking us into their platforms, harvesting our data, and changing the rules on a whim. With decentralisation, we can create communities that are transparent, resilient, and fair. The growing number of Mastodon servers run by governments and organisations proves this vision is taking root.
What do you think? Are you ready to embrace a decentralised future for social media, or do you have other ideas? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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