saikatdNov 12, 2019
Why did we start moving from the #Birdsite is now well knoan. But what can we do to make #mastodon better and not repeat the mistakes of #birdsite. Some thoughts in a #thread
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
It's easy to blame others for the toxicity. But those of us who moved here -- are we introspective about the mistakes we made inadvertently?
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
The unfortunate aspect of social media is that it isn't very social. It quickly descends into cliques or closed communities, where echo chambers thrive. There is no real egalitarianism, even though we claim to uphold it.
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
We also look for similar people. So that out confirmation biases get reinforced. For example, on #birdsite we have #FF (Friday Follows) or recommendations on who to follow. To my mind, that was wrong
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
When we start recommending lists, people to follow, we end up building social capital that is inherently non egalitarian. It becomes an exercise of our privilege, or adding to the privilege of others. How is that egalitarian?
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
Isn't everyone equally good enough to follow? Should I arrogate the right to recommend others? Why can't I leave people to decide for themselves? And why can't they exercise their agency to discover new voices, new thoughts?
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
This inherent tribalism (is social media parochialism) is inherently toxic by nature. It ended up justifying all sorts of toxicity that we eventually witnessed on #birdsite. But we never thought to introspect. Instead, we brought the same habits here. The same privileges and the same inequalities.
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
So here's what I going to do differently here. I am going to follow more people. Hear new and more voices. Listen. And not recommend anyone. Everyone is good and if you need to follow or hear someone, you will find them. You don't need me.
Show threadsaikatd
So here's our chance to actually build a community that is inclusive, egalitarian and not exclusive by design. Let's hope we can keep it that way. Happy tooting folks! And a Happy #Gurpurab
Nov 12, 2019 at 6:37amWeb
Show threadNavneet Mathur ✔Nov 12, 2019

@Saikatd very well said Saikat. We need to stop building idols, heroes and temples here. Every voice important as long as it is respectful.

Let’s all follow each other and destroy the edifice of high followership just as the elitist blue tick has been rendered useless here.

People who make sense and have valuable/ quality opinions to share will stand out no matter what

Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
@navneetmathur I hear you. And that's a start for me. Listening more.
Show threadTheObserverNov 13, 2019
@Saikatd @navneetmathur yes... Everyone matters!
Show threadSGNov 13, 2019

@navneetmathur @Saikatd what if we sought recommendations only because we were starved of time? Still a bad idea?

To follow someone randomly and then months later discover that the person has been toxic, will be a waste of time. Rather if someone gives me a list of non-toxic ppl to follow, wouldn't that be an efficient use of time?

Trial & error vs Tried & tested

Show threadSai VishalNov 13, 2019

@silverlightgal @navneetmathur @Saikatd A person can be turn toxic at an given moment. Mastodon ha a better steps to deal with it. Most people are genuine and caring.

So do follow as many people as you can, have as many conversations as possible. Limiting yourself to a list is just an opportunity lost to meet and socialize with a lot more people.

Show threadRicha SinghNov 12, 2019
@Saikatd that’s some serious food for thought here!
Show threadsaikatdNov 12, 2019
@richa_singh Thank you!
Show threadcbcnn_PilidNov 12, 2019
@Saikatd You are being too hard on yourself. Fine to recommend others you like & choose to follow; but in order to expand the horizons, try making your choices more eclectic. That would also expand the diversity on this platform which comes across as narrower & more straight-jacketed than #Birdsite. Just my two cents.
Show threadesoteric_guyNov 13, 2019
@Saikatd Thank you for saying this. It means a lot when a popular figure actually says it and actually walks the talk! Let us make this a truly democratized social media.
Show threadMusafirNov 13, 2019

Hey @Saikatd I agree with you. Let's do away with both "shoulds and should nots"

And let it be. Whatever it is. Not pushing either experiences or expectations. And just explore this. Like a baby does.