LizNov 28, 2022
myrmepropagandist

Hi. It would help me a lot if I could get a HEAP of responses to this poll. The goal is to get a decent enough sample so results are predictive of the wider user-base right now. I dislike asking for boosts but this is SCIENCE... or something. (Thanks.)

How do you use Mastodon MOST of the time?

On a phone, or other touch screen device?

OR

On a device with a keyboard like a laptop or desktop computer?

(If it's half and half choose the middle option.)

I mostly use mobile/tablet
60.3%
It's within a margin of error of an even split
19.2%
I mostly use desktop/laptop
19.9%
don't want to vote, but want to see poll results
0.7%
Poll ended at .
Nov 28, 2022 at 4:47amWeb
Show threadkechpajaNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I prefer desktop for posting, but often use my phone for casual browsing and short answers.
Show threadJoel MartinezNov 28, 2022
@kechpaja @futurebird yep! Anything more than a casual reply or small post is much easier to type out on desktop
Show threadBill RickerNov 29, 2022

@joelmartinez @kechpaja @futurebird same-ish.
My larger Android tablet has decent thumb keyboard (and alt developer keyboard ), and I also have BT keyboards if I feel need to wax prolix.

But in general yes, a planned post would be from desktop or laptop w/ the multicolumn web interface, & read/like/boost/reply in Tusky with split attention.

This is pushing the limit for typing with thumbs.

Show threadBrian Beach has movedNov 28, 2022
@kechpaja @futurebird same here: I use the computer for posting. Reading is either, depending on where I am.
Show threadA Shiny Blue ThingNov 28, 2022
@kechpaja @futurebird
This is also me, I might use tusky for quick replies on my phone.
Show threadrail enthusiast wife DariaNov 28, 2022
@futurebird currently it’s usually Toot! on iOS, and I voted as such, but that could change depending what interfaces exist on desktop. I can’t imagine it will ever be more than approximately even tho for me
Show threadTexan_ReverendNov 28, 2022
@futurebird Boost for 
Show threadPanama RedNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I mostly use a laptop, but then I seldom go anywhere because of COVID. When I do go anywhere, I use my phone.
Show threadMWTNov 28, 2022
@futurebird It's probably close to equal in total amount of minutes, but I think of the laptop as the primary and phone as secondary (when I'm out and about or otherwise not near the laptop). There are more functions available in the web browser than in Tusky at the moment, such as post editing and hashtag following.
Show threadSir Dr Rusty o the Isle 🖤💛❤️Nov 28, 2022
@mwt @futurebird edit is a big one
Show threadAnn SuttonNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I use my PC (except for posting photos, since the photos are on my phone), but I check it on my phone during the work day because I imagine it won't load on my work laptop (I've not tried, admittedly). So I'm about half and half.
Show thread(Ted)You cant handle the truthNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I use the PC when I need to do certain things like pin a toot to profile etc that are not available on the app.
Show threadRileyNov 28, 2022
@futurebird it's a lot easier to pull it up for a few minutes on my phone, but imo the advanced web view on my desktop is the best way to use the site.
Show threadJackNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I'm almost always using the website, via PWA install, on mobile, or a mobile sized window on desktop.
Show threadJennifer Moore 😷Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird
I put 50/50, but really it's "reading mostly on my phone, writing likely to switch to laptop".
Show threadIzzy's Old AccountNov 28, 2022
@futurebird Do you mean specifically Mastodon or are you including other fediverse server implementations also?
Show threadstill aetios anywayNov 29, 2022
@izaya @futurebird this please

Also you forgot the option for keyboard-phones (but they will be a small fraction anyway)
Show threadSörenNov 28, 2022
@futurebird @donmelton almost entirely phone for reading the timeline. If syncing the read position with other client ever becomes feasible, I might use it on a laptop more
Show threadPonyOfModeration 🏳️‍🌈🍄🇪🇺Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird mostly on my phone, but it's clearly more limited than on a laptop.. but I just don't use one much other than for work. I doubt it'll really get going until it's less confusing for newbies.
Show threadDaveOfTheNuiNov 28, 2022
@futurebird Mainly the laptop when I get home, but that's mostly due to deliberately switching the mobile to silent at work and I often forget by the end of the day to switch it back on.
Show threadVerityNov 28, 2022
@futurebird For now, I'm entirely on mobile, but via a browser, not the app.
Show threadSiderea, Sibylla BostoniensisNov 28, 2022
@futurebird No idea. I signed up at the desktop, and then abruptly had a health crisis that has landed me in bed most of the time, and unable to use any device except my phone. So right now I'm stuck on my phone and hating it. No idea how long I will be stuck in this situation. So I *am* using a phone 100% of the time and *intend* to revert to laptop as soon as I can.
Show threadVerdant SquareNov 28, 2022
@siderea Praying for your swift recovery.
Show threadSiderea, Sibylla BostoniensisNov 28, 2022
@Verdantsquare Hey I have a question about that. When you say that, how literally do you mean it? Like do you mean just "I hope it in my heart and trust my gods will see it there", or do you mean that you will incorporate the well-wished into your regular prayer practice? Here I'm thinking of the Catholic tradition of praying before bed, and wondering how someone who does that keeps track of all the people they promised to pray for - like do they write it down, is there an app...?
Show threadVerdant SquareNov 28, 2022

@siderea For me, it's the (from childhood) Catholic ritual of night prayers. I keep a list on my phone. Super serious about it.

In fact, this is the first time I ever thought about an app that might handle this sort of thing. MIND BLOWN... lol. But I will check the app store... Be well, friend.

---

Further update: OMG, there are so many prayer apps, many of them specifically for prayer chains shared among prayer warriors! Capitalism rarely surprises me anymore, but this did.

Show threadSiderea, Sibylla BostoniensisNov 28, 2022
@Verdantsquare Ha! My job here is done! *dusts hands* Thanks for the explanation - as a therapist, one of the things I do a lot of is help people with executive function disorders find ways to manage information, so they're not overwhelmed trying to keep everything in their memories. Hence my interest - it's not something I'd thought of. If at some point you try out a bunch of apps and develop strong opinions about their comparative merits, I'd love to hear your recommendations.
Show threadVerdant SquareNov 28, 2022
@siderea You're one of the helpers. I knew I liked you. 😀
Show threadJanePepperNov 28, 2022
@futurebird
Show thread5klp471Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird Who owns a desktop these days?
Show threadHangtoothNov 28, 2022

@5klp471 @futurebird *Suddenly feels ancient*.

My wife and I have our own desktops that I have hand built/rebuilt/maintained and upgraded for the last 30 years =)

We don't have cellphones and we still have a landline. Saying 'helllooooooo' from the past =)

Show threadMx Autumn Nov 28, 2022

@futurebird Further to my vote, some detail:

I use the web client almost exclusively between 9am - 5pm, that includes Pinafore for access to my GtS instance.

Outside of work hours and on the weekend I use my mobile.

Show threadUnderwaterSomething he\theyNov 28, 2022

@futurebird

Lying down a lot of the time so tablet. My desktop is now basically a really big alarm clock and white noise machine.

Show threadCleosDadNov 28, 2022
@futurebird One minor criticism of your poll. I mostly use a tablet *with* a keyboard. Which option should I choose?
Show threadMad Sci ∴Nov 28, 2022

@futurebird

Why not multiple choice?

Show threadLoukas (They/Them) 🏳️‍⚧️Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird hi, to be representative a sample has to be random and often weighted. Unless you get millions of replies a self-selected sample doesn't say anything about the wider base, only about the people who responded.
Show threadaRubesNov 28, 2022
@Loukas @[email protected] moreover, many people use more than one account. I got this poll in all 3 of my 3 accounts ( on 3 different instances).
Show threadAdaNov 28, 2022
@futurebird So, a question. Do you specifically mean mastodon? Or are you intending to ask about how people use the broader fediverse?

Because I don't use mastodon, but I'm here engaging with mastodon users nearly every day
Show threaddegoedelNov 28, 2022
@futurebird
It really depends : when I’m at my desk, I’ll use my computer, but the rest of the time (and especially in the evening) I’ll use my phone
Show threadJack Yan (甄爵恩)Nov 28, 2022

@futurebird Iʼd use desktop more but since it became inundated with users, that method has slowed to a crawl. Sometimes the characters wonʼt even show up after typing.

But I hate cellphones negate I nashe so many spelling misfires.

Show threadisaiahNov 28, 2022
@futurebird @VioletPixel i use on a phone but only because there’s no great desktop client… yet. when there is, i’ll stop using the phone.
Show threadGentleman OctopusNov 28, 2022
@futurebird Hilariously, on the phone app the longer poll options are cut off with [...], and clicking one just votes for that option.
Show threadJürgen HubertNov 28, 2022

@futurebird App for browsing and reading, desktop for writing posts.

I'm old. I need a _proper_ keyboard for writing, damnit! 😉

Show threadFabPaule #FBPENov 28, 2022
@futurebird hi I hope your research goes well. I exclusively, so far, use the Mastodon app for iPhone but am still a newbie & certainly not a social media/ IT expert!
Show threadPixel DunnNov 28, 2022
@futurebird deskPOP!
maybe i dont like laptop i have but it have keyboard (maybe not full but anyway - even my phone have better :/ ) and touchpad so i can draw memes... and isnt this smol
Show threadNatalie A (Detwitter Arc)Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird Just to be awkward (sorry!) what do I pick if I primarily use a tablet with a keyboard? 😀
Show threadGötz KlugeNov 28, 2022

@futurebird -- I use mostly an web browser on the dektop, but for monitoring I use @tootapp's (@ mastodon.social) "toot" app for iOS in parallel, especially because I have several accounts (e.g. https://snrk.de/snark-mastodon/)

#mastodonhints: As for web-browsers, for the three accounts which I run on zirk.us, I use three different containers for each of the accounts. Then it is easy to switch between the accounts.

Snark @ Mastodon – The Hunting of the Snark

Show threadFrobozzNov 28, 2022

@futurebird

Desktop only, on my clicky RGB keyboard.

Show threadDaphneNov 28, 2022

@futurebird I often see people discussing workarounds for app limitations, including going to a PC, or looking for a better app.

I wonder if people realize that the website works really well on mobile devices.

Show threadLayaKingNov 28, 2022
@futurebird the app version feels a lot smoother too use then the desk top. But there are still things I’d like to have tweaked or fixed. But that’s with every app - you know?
Show threadNaomi PNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I answered tablet, but I have a Bluetooth keyboard and usually use the browser with advanced view these days, so it’s not much different from using desktop.
Show threadRommudohNov 28, 2022
@futurebird there is no middle 
Show threadKim Spence-Jones #FBPENov 28, 2022
@futurebird I wonder if it would be useful to distinguish between phones and tablets? I mostly use the web interface in advanced mode on my tablet. A very different user experience from a phone app.
Show threadno dreamer, no eater of leavesNov 28, 2022
@futurebird
I tend to use my phone because I check during the workday, when my personal laptop is shut off
@Magess
Show threadGBNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I find when I use the browser in advanced mode I find more of what I am looking for. The Mastodon app does not seem to have a Federated timeline on it. The Metatext app does, and I use it more, but again doesn't seem to give me the same feed as the main app.
Show threadMaj 🇨🇦Nov 28, 2022
@futurebird I have both desktop and mobile apps but I keep going back to accessing things through a browser so I can use plug-ins like translation tools. I also like having a back button and opening things in different tabs...
Show threadEdgeNov 28, 2022

@futurebird

I generally use desktop apps for this (a twtr expat) but am struggling with the web interface.

Using Hoot! on the iPhone is so much better an interface that I'm using it more, but hate inputting on the phone.

So... no happy place.

Show threadSugarless MuffinNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I use it EXCLUSIVELY on my mobile phone. So far, I've never log in to my account from any other device. I don't think it'd change in the nearest future. #Mastodon #research
Show threadLinebyline→mastoart.socialNov 28, 2022
@futurebird I use mobile a whole lot more than I thought I would, but I still both prefer my laptop and use it more.
Show threadSparkle TeaNov 28, 2022

@futurebird

I didn't choose it but I LOVE the last option.