From e10f6ea7183d6198d1ab253e26aaa575079a87c1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ngô Ngọc Đức Huy Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2021 23:40:35 +0700 Subject: Add reason to use federated social network --- content/free-guide/social-network.md | 68 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 68 insertions(+) create mode 100644 content/free-guide/social-network.md (limited to 'content') diff --git a/content/free-guide/social-network.md b/content/free-guide/social-network.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bbd2dce --- /dev/null +++ b/content/free-guide/social-network.md @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +--- +title: "Decentralized and privacy-friendly social networks" +date: 2021-06-17T09:50:39+07:00 +layout: wiki +wiki: freeguide +categories: [ "social network" ] +--- + +# Federation + +So, of all kinds of software, why did I chose to start with social networks? +Because social networks has the strongest network effect, with instant +messaging being second[^0]. Using a non-free social network service is taking +part in forcing your friends and families to use it. + +This could be said for any social network services, except for decentralized +ones, or federated ones, usually dubbed *fediverse*. The idea is similar to +that of emails: people can use different services, yet can talk with each +other seamlessly via open protocols. You can use GMail or HotMail, but if I +disagree with Google and Microsoft terms of service I would still be able to +send emails to you from my Disroot mail account[^1]. Another example is mobile +network service---no matter which one you choose, I'm still able to call you or +send you SMS messages. This is not the case for mainstream social networks. +Even if I disagree (an understatement) with Facebook's terms of service and +privacy policy, I still have to have a Facebook account in order to talk to you +or interact with your posts. + +So, in short, these *federated social networks* can not only talk to each +other, using the same open protocols (the ways by which servers talk with each +other). Below are some federation protocols: + +# ActivityPub + +ActivityPub is, as of the time writing, arguably the most popular federation +protocol. Related posts: + +- [List of applications][ap-apps] +- [List of instances][ap-inst] + +[ap-apps]: /free-guide/activitypub-apps/ +[ap-inst]: /free-guide/activitypub-instances/ + +# Diaspora + +*This section is empty because I have no experience with it. Please [expand].* + +# pump.io + +*This section is empty because I have no experience with it. Please [expand].* + +# Zot + +*This section is empty because I have no experience with it. Please [expand].* + + +[^0]: No source, just common sense. Feel free to correct me if you have source + proving otherwise. + Social networks require a lot of (active) people there to be interesting. + Messaging apps just requires there to be someone else there. +[^1]: Microsoft [blocked](https://disroot.org/en/blog/microsoft_hostility) + Disroot emails and I wouldn't be able to do this. However, the block was + removed after hundreds of requests. Such blocks can happen on federated + social networks as well, and it will be discussed in a later post on choosing + your instance. +[^2]: Next to PeerTube. Again, just my speculation. I mainly use Mastodon so + I might be biased. I'm waiting for Cunningham's law to take effect. + +[expand]: mailto:huyngo+freeguide@disroot.org -- cgit 1.4.1