The mastodon and lemmy content I’m seeing feels like 90% of it comes from people who are:

  • ~30 years old or older

  • tech enthusiasts/workers

  • linux users

There’s nothing wrong with that particular demographic or anything, but it doesn’t feel like a win to me if the entire fediverse is just one big monoculture.

I wonder what it is that is keeping more diverse users away? Is picking a server/federation too complicated? Or is it that they don’t see any content that they like?

Thoughts?

  • Mononon@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    I feel like it’s more convenience than simplicity that’s the issue. Though, I’d argue that the whole federation thing is way more complicated than what most people would likely tolerate. I tried to explain it to my husband, and it was even hard to explain succinctly. Like, I’m sure someone has come up with a way to say it, but it’s not as straightforward as you make it sound. At least, I don’t think it is.

    • hugegreenburger@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      1 year ago

      I always use the email analogy - you and a friend can be signed up with different providers but still communicate with each other. It’s helped me explain the concept to a few people.

      • Stylus2650@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Same here! I’m always surprised by people now refusing to consider the idea, just wanting one universal company/service. It’s like they can make room for email in their understanding, but can’t do that again today. 🤷‍♀️

      • AwkwardLookMonkeyPuppet@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        The email one is good. Someone I was explaining it to said “so it’s like Napster for social media?”. After thinking about it for a second I just said “yes! That’s pretty close”. It’s not really like Napster, but that’s a good enough analogy that they understood.