When coming back from the algorithmic social medias I always feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing the fact that on the Fediverse boosts really matter, because they make the posts pop up naturally as there is no "For you" feed. It's actually fun to boost posts here, because you know YOU are the algorithm. It's more fun and meaningful that way.

Is there such thing as quality screen-time? I think so. A screen is just a tool when used wisely.

Teaching children about wise use of tech starts with practicing it yourself.

https://vijayprema.com/why-im-ok-with-screen-time-for-my-baby/

Things are pretty bleak these days. I have curated my TL pretty tightly but the bad news is still unrelenting.

This is maybe a good time to remind folks YOU are the algorithm.

Instead of amplifying outrage (and there is plenty to be mad about, I get it. Holy fuck I get it) consider prioritizing the boosting of: resources, solutions, hope, even humour, and definitely anything that celebrates folks stepping up to make things better.

I've put together a (currently very simple) program that analyses the posts I like and dislike. It looks at the hashtags and authors of each and suggests hashtags/authors to follow/unfollow. It doesn't actually make those changes: that's up to me. So it helps me be my own algorithm. I'm liking the results of my tuned feed so far.

I'm calling it Urma (U R Mastodon's Algorithm)

Anyone else doing anything like this?

How can you not love the #Mastodon filters? This was on my home feed a couple of minutes ago.

Two months in and I'm loving Mastodon even more. I feel it mimics real life social more than traditional "social media". Chronological feed ... so more random chance to see everyday things from interesting people. I shape my own circle. It quickly becomes impossible to read everything so I just let go of completionism. It typically avoids only presenting the "most popular" (aka "most click-baity") which would normally rise to the front page if there was an algo. #youarethealgorithm

3 Hints for Mastodon newbies:

1. If you want others to see a post you like, use the 'boost' feature (not the star).

2. Add #hashtags to your posts to help people find your content, and in the search bar to find content and interesting people to follow. #YouAreTheAlgorithm

3. Add a pic and info to your bio and write an #introductions post (with lots of hashtags!). People won't follow you back if you don't have any info in your bio!

#TwitterMigration #MastodonHelp
#HCI #academicMastodon

One thing which I really like about all the #introduction toots is that these all come from real people and not #bots or #trolls. It is very very #refreshing this. Of course, the fact that big bird is not pushing any ads and other bs down my throat is also a big win. #YouAreTheAlgorithm

@dyasdaughter

#Welcome !

#universeodon is a great #Mastodon #instance !

Be sure to reach out if you need help getting familiar with the #Fediverse.

There is #NoAgorithm to push content around. #YouAreTheAlgorithm , and using the #boost button is how people circulate posts and info.

#Hashtags are how people find each other and interests here, so be sure to include hashtags in your #posts.

New users coming from #Twitter should know that in #Mastodon they will know what true decentralization is.

Interacting with other users will be a very different and rewarding experience, believe me.

Here you are not the product, #YouAreTheAlgorithm.

#PotatoTheDogIsNextTo his person! (hover #AltText for full story...)

#lol
#dogs #puppies #Mastodog #universeodon #universeodog #DogsOfMastodon #follow #FollowBack #Boost #NoAlgorithm #YouAreTheAlgorithm
#AltText #SFW
#SafeForWork
#DogToot

#Welcome! @batunii

Fill out your #Profile so people know you are a real person and not a #bot .

Then post an #introduction that includes #hashtags for topics of interest to you. That will help you build your personal network.

#Mastodon
#FediTips
#NoAlgorithm
#YouAreTheAlgorithm