In this discussion, Erin Kissane, a writer and researcher focused on internet communities, unveils insights from her recent report on Fediverse governance. She explores the shift towards decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, examining the complex dynamics and collaborations among server operators. The conversation highlights the critical role of content moderation, the variety of governance models, and the need for better resources to support moderators. Kissane emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations and user experiences in shaping this evolving digital landscape.
The Fediverse provides a decentralized alternative to traditional social media, empowering communities to establish unique norms and moderation practices.
Effective governance in the Fediverse requires ongoing 'federation diplomacy' between server operators, enhancing community experiences through tailored decision-making.
Deep dives
Rise of the Fediverse as an Alternative
The Fediverse is emerging as a decentralized alternative to established social media platforms like Facebook and X, offering users a chance to escape issues such as behavioral manipulation and pervasive surveillance. Decentralization allows servers to operate independently, empowering communities to establish their own norms and moderation policies. The ActivityPub protocol serves as a vital connective tissue between these platforms, enabling users to interact across different servers while maintaining distinct governance structures. This shift toward decentralized systems is garnering attention from individuals frustrated with traditional social media dynamics.
Community-Driven Governance
Each server within the Fediverse acts as its own jurisdiction, governed by local norms and cultural values shaped by its operators and members. The research illustrates how server administrators engage in 'federation diplomacy,' deciding which servers to connect with based on shared values and ethical considerations. This decision-making process fosters an environment where communities can tailor their experiences and moderation approaches to better suit their specific contexts. The study highlights the importance of strong governance in creating healthier online spaces and fostering community cohesion.
Individual Moderator Experiences and Challenges
Moderation in the Fediverse is nuanced and variable, with different servers practicing diverse approaches that reflect their unique cultures. The findings reveal that well-governed servers implement proactive measures to protect moderators from exposure to harmful content, nurturing a healthier mental state for those involved in oversight. These practices include eliminating known sources of harmful material early on and establishing more robust support systems among moderation teams. By addressing moderator well-being, the Fediverse can improve the sustainability of its volunteer-driven moderation efforts.
Evolving Tools and Collaborative Efforts
Despite the Fediverse's promising potential, challenges in funding and development of moderation tools persist, hindering the growth of these decentralized networks. Server operators emphasize the need for better communication among themselves and the establishment of shared tooling practices to address common hurdles. Efforts like the Independent Federated Trust and Safety initiative exemplify how communities are collaboratively working toward improving moderation standards and practices. The researchers note that while there is a desire for enhanced tooling, much of this growth will depend on community-driven solutions and ongoing dialogues about governance and content moderation.
A lot of folks frustrated with major social media platforms are migrating to alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky, which operate on decentralized protocols. This summer, Erin Kissane and Darius Kazemireleased a report on the governance on fediverse microblogging servers and the moderation practices of the people who run them. Justin Hendrix caught up with Erin Kissane about their findings, including the emerging forms of diplomacy between different server operators, the types of political and policy decisions moderators must make, and the need for more resources and tooling to enable better governance across the fediverse.
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