On Twitter

18 November 2022

It's been a while since I last wrote here. It's good to be back.

I'm not a heavy Twitter user, but I've maintained a presence on the platform for more than 5 years now, even though almost everyone in my circles wouldn't leave Facebook. It's no secret that I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook and have tried a few times to live without it, and while issues with algorithms, privacy, and misinformation hound Twitter just the same, I've long considered it a respite. At least Twitter would still let me opt for a classic reverse-chronological feed rather than have viral nonsense shoved down my throat.

My Twitter profile has very few followers and I've only been using it as an outlet and news source, so I'm not too worried about what might happen to Twitter. But I can't help but feel sorry for the platform that pioneered microblogging and the people who built it; perhaps I'd feel better if Musk had bought Facebook instead.

I'm staying on Twitter for now, but I've taken the opportunity to explore Mastodon, which seems to be where most Twitter quitters are flocking to. I've been badly missing the pre-2010s social media experience, and a platform without algorithms lording over my news feed or knowing me better than I know myself is always welcome.

Also on Mastodon? Let's connect: @MKRLLR@mas.to