The New Stack Podcast cover image

The New Stack Podcast

The Fediverse: What It Is, Why It’s Promising, What’s Next

Jul 18, 2024
Evan Prodromou, a pioneer in decentralized social networks and director at OpenEarth Foundation, discusses the transformative potential of the fediverse. He highlights how the shift from centralized platforms like Twitter and Facebook threatens user autonomy. Prodromou shares insights on ActivityPub, emphasizing its role in connecting diverse social networks. He explores community dynamics, the importance of personal connections, and the growing engagement from major players like Meta. Tune in to learn about the future of open-source social media!
40:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Fediverse offers a decentralized alternative to centralized social media, enabling users to connect across different platforms seamlessly.
  • Evan Prodromou emphasizes the importance of user agency in the evolution of social networks, demonstrating the potential benefits of a federated model.

Deep dives

Understanding the Fediverse and ActivityPub

The concept of the Fediverse revolves around decentralized social media networks that use open protocols, specifically ActivityPub, to allow seamless interaction between different platforms. A crucial element is the ability of users to connect across various instances of the software, akin to how email operates, where individual users can interact regardless of their chosen service. This federated approach contrasts with traditional centralized social media platforms, which typically isolate user communities. By facilitating interactions among diverse networks, the Fediverse aims to revive an open and interconnected social media landscape.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode