So you're just getting started in Mastodon huh?

Here's a neat thing. On the web interface you can search for a Hashtag.

Same as you can on Twitter.

Something like #Ukraine, for example

But on the search results, see that little user icon on the right? Click it and you'll follow it as if it's a user!

New posts with that tag will arrive in your home page, even if you don't follow the author yet

For the same reason, try and make use of hashtags yourself, especially in your introduction posts here. If you do, you'll be able to find not just your friends from bird site, but also new people posting in topics you're interested in. Give it a go!
@Pwnallthethings speaking of hashtags, this is an excellent #feditip