Here's a #tip if you're a #newbie to Mastodon: you can search for people with their name or handle under the # icon here ==>
If you want to make sure you see your favourite writer or good friend's toots you can press the 🔔 icon on their profile and you'll get notifications. This makes up for the lack of algos which would usually show you "important" posts etc
Remember, this platform was created by a community including queer, trans, neurodiverse and disabled people. It is designed to be more of a safe space than many social media platforms.
Be respectful and if you share an image edit it to add a caption to help people know what it is
Content Warnings (CWs) are not censorship, they are consent. Its just a way of being kind and polite.
Use CWs liberally so that people don't have to automatically see iffy things like politics, hate, violence, food etc (yes, I love food too but some people feel uncomfortable about it for various reasons).
It takes seconds to add a CW and it will make people more comfortable engaging with and boosting your post too.
You can change settings so you see all the CW content if you like
It's not about being overly cautious. It's about allowing people to have a smooth experience of their feed. It means they get to choose to engage/see the content rather than being bombarded by it. CW might not be the ideal framing, but I really appreciate the friendliness and respect of making it something people consent to see. It makes the platform a gentler place and less angry! 😊
It took me a few days to adjust to them, but now I appreciate having the choice
Dr Isa Pearl Ritchie
Polly Lind Artist