🌅 The Rise of ActivityPub and What It Means for You

Your Guide to the Rise of Decentralized Social Networks

Hi Reader,

There's a quiet revolution happening in the world of social media, and it's time we shed some light on it. This change is all about something called ActivityPub and the Fediverse. Though it sounds a bit techy, this is something that's shaping up to change how we interact online.

ActivityPub is a protocol that enables social networks to communicate with one another. It's leading a shift toward decentralization, moving power from the hands of big corporations back to the users (you get to own your own content again 🤯), and creating a common space across many interconnected networks.

Just imagine you post a photo on your WordPress website, and your cousin comments on it from their Instagram Threads account. Then, your friend joins the conversation from their Mastodon handle. That's the interconnectedness and power of a decentralized network.

While this concept has been around for a while, it's recently caught more attention. One major reason is the shakeup that happened when Elon Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion and started making changes that left many users seeking alternatives.

Adding fuel to the fire, Meta launched its new social media platform, Threads, in July 2023. While it isn't yet supporting ActivityPub, the plan is to make Threads a part of this connected universe. The possibility of this integration has reignited excitement about ActivityPub and its potential to reshape social media.

So, you’re probably wondering: how does this affect you?

As Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, puts it: "You should own your audience. If you decide to leave Threads one day, you should be able to bring your audience with you." ActivityPub and the Fediverse are set to give you this freedom. They open up ways to spread your content across different platforms smoothly and give you greater control over your digital presence.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s all about being seen, staying in control, and reaching your audience wherever they are. Embracing ActivityPub and the Fediverse means preparing for the future of social media. You'll make it easier for your audience to follow you across different platforms and ensure your message reaches them, no matter where they hang out online.

So, I’m curious to know where you stand with these new platforms:

Have you started using any decentralized platforms like Mastodon or Threads?

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As always, I’m here to help if you have any questions or concerns. Or even if you just want to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear what you think. Just hit “reply” and let's start a conversation.

Best,

Jono