Reimagining the Internet 112. Governing the Fediverse: Erin Kissane talks her groundbreaking study into how Mastodon is run (Part 2)
Apr 30, 2025
In this installment, Erin Kissane delves into her groundbreaking research on the Fediverse and its governance. She discusses the complexities of decentralized platforms like Mastodon and contrasts them with Blue Sky, illuminating user migration patterns and community dynamics. Erin emphasizes the crucial role of marginalized groups in shaping these online spaces. Listeners gain insights into fostering healthy communities and the ongoing efforts to create safer, more inclusive networks amid the challenges prevalent in social media today.
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Vulnerability of Centralized Platforms
- Centralized platforms like Twitter are vulnerable to capture and manipulation by individuals with power.
- Decentralized networks like the Fediverse experiment with new, resilient ways to govern public speech and community.
Experiment with New Network Models
- To replace broken centralized platforms, try building or joining decentralized communities that prioritize governance and community norms.
- Accept that new networks will make mistakes and involve complex trade-offs as part of growth.
Personal Migration Experience on Fediverse
- I joined Octodon.social, a queer-friendly EU Mastodon server, but later it shut down after conflicts and admin burnout.
- I migrated to social.coop, a cooperative server where administrative duties are shared among members.