Social networks currently function as the first method of entertainment and communication between people. Mastodon, is not far behind, it is one of the best options you can have, as it has several incredible functions and features that you should take advantage of. But, What is Mastodon social network? It is a platform that, for many, may look a bit like Twitter, but with its own details.
To summarize the subject a bit, it is a social network in which you can enjoy various functions, and for users it is the combination of several applications, thus improving the experience of each one when using it.
What is Mastodon social network and its origin?
It is a social network that, for many it is very similar to Twitter, this due to all the functions and the aesthetics that it presents. However, one of the differences is that it does not have a single control, it works with a diverse number of servers that allow the execution of free and open code so that anyone can use it.
So, each of these users, in addition to communicating, also has the opportunity to create different servers at the same time, or what is known as »communities». With this function you can share the message you want to the people who belong to this group or to any other that is within the social network.
It is a social network that appeared a couple of years ago, it began as a project by Richard Stallman, who is responsible for creating this type of network but using an open standard called »Ostatus».
Although it is a new platform that has rules, users feel more comfortable because there is no censorship. The best thing about this is that each of the communities establishes the rules that its participants must follow.
One thing you should keep in mind is that at the beginning these communities are free, however, it is also valid that some of the members of the community establish a rule in which you must pay an amount to stay within it.
How can I register with Mastodon?
The process to register in this new social network is easier than you think, you just need to have a email, a username for your account, and a password. And that's it, you just have to follow all the steps that the application indicates. Then what you need to do is:
- Login to Mastodon. It's very simple, on the right side of the screen you can access your account, if you don't have one there is a form just on the other side where you only have to enter the information requested.
- The next thing you should do is »Verify email address». Look in your email inbox, and confirm the information.
- Analyze the communities that exist within the social network, and choose the one that most attracts your attention to be part of it. This application gives you the option so that, check a list of servers and select the language of your choice.
- And, ready, you are already part of this social network.
How does Mastodon work?
The most similar aspect to Twitter is found in the messages that are written, but in this case they are known as "Toots". They each have a 500-character limit, which is more than double what the other app offers.
In addition, it has three timelines, divided into: The main, which is where all the messages written by the accounts you follow appear. the local, that will only reflect the messages of the user group of the community to which you belong. And the last one, which is the federated History, a space to observe other people's messages even when they are inside another instance.
When you are going to place a message or »tooting», you also have the option of mention any other user, just adding »@» before the username, or you can even use the famous Hashtags that are well known in other applications.
One of the most striking aspects of this social network is that you can also add a warning button that is related to the type of content that you are going to publish. It even allows you to add images or emojis to your messages.
In case you select that warning button, your messages can only be seen by people who click »Show more". This option is very useful, especially in those cases where there are many sensitive people within the communities.
Another detail included in this social network is that you can choose the people you want to read your content. You have the option to »toots» can be displayed on the different timelines.
You may notice that many of the features are similar to other application, in fact, Mastodon is that alternative to Twitter that everyone talks about, however, each one has details that make it unique.
How are the profiles in Mastodon?
Now that you have all the information about what is Mastodon, It is also important to know the way in which you can observe user profiles.
At first they can be very similar to those you find in the Twitter application, you can see a profile picture, a description or biography, and the username of the person. Also, there is the number of »toots», the followers and the followed.
Another aspect that you can see in the profiles are the »toots» shared so far with the entire public, also the responses or the images and videos you post.
In some cases, depending on privacy and the community to which you belong, the option to »See full profile». In this way, you can observe all the information of the user but from the community in which he is registered, thus, you do not lose any of the data that he has in the application.