Mastodon is not a Twitter replacement. It's not trying to be. Any comparison is flawed if you don't start with that fact.

There's no algorithm here. Clicking favorite is just a way to show the person who wrote it that you liked it. It doesn't help to promote it. Boosting is the only way to promote someone's content.

This place runs on it's users.

So relax. Discover this great place for yourself. If you don't understand something don't be afraid to ask. Give it time.

You'll love it.