Instance

A Mastodon instance is a separate, independently-run server that is part of the larger federated social network known as Mastodon. Each instance can be thought of as its own community, with its own rules, moderation, and themes, but it can still communicate with other instances in the network. This is because Mastodon, and other platforms in the Fediverse, are based on the ActivityPub protocol, which allows different instances to interoperate.

Key Features of a Mastodon Instance:

1. Independent Servers: Each instance is run by an independent group or individual. They can set their own rules, decide who can join, and what kind of content is allowed.
2. Federation: Even though instances are independent, they are federated, meaning they can communicate with each other. Users on one instance can follow, reply to, and interact with users on other instances, as long as the instances are connected (federated).
3. Custom Rules & Themes: The administrator of an instance can decide the theme or focus of the instance. For example, some instances may focus on certain topics (e.g., art, technology), while others are more general. Additionally, each instance has its own code of conduct, moderation policies, and sign-up processes.
4. Decentralization: Unlike traditional social media platforms that are controlled by a single company (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), Mastodon is decentralized. This means no one entity controls the entire network. Each instance operates independently, but they can communicate with each other.

Example:

• mastodon.social: This is one of the largest and most well-known Mastodon instances, but there are thousands of others, each with its own community and rules.
• fosstodon.org: An instance focused on free and open-source software enthusiasts.

Why Use Different Instances?

• Choice: You can choose an instance that aligns with your interests or values. Some instances may be more focused on certain topics, like art or technology, while others may prioritize privacy or moderation.
• Moderation: Instances can have different levels of content moderation. Some are stricter about offensive content, while others may be more permissive.
• Resilience: Since the network is decentralized, no single instance going offline will take down the entire platform.

Federation vs. Isolation

• Federated Instances: These are instances that communicate with other instances. For example, if you’re on instance A and your friend is on instance B, you can still follow and interact with each other.
• Isolated Instances: Some instances may choose not to connect with other instances (for privacy or security reasons). These instances are often referred to as “defederated” or “private” instances.

How to Join a Mastodon Instance:

1. Choose an Instance: You can explore different instances using directories like joinmastodon.org or instances.social.
2. Sign Up: Once you find an instance that suits your interests, you can sign up for an account.
3. Interact with Other Instances: Even if you’re on a specific instance, you can still interact with users on other instances, as long as they are federated.

Summary:

In the context of Mastodon, an instance is an individual server that is part of the larger federated Mastodon network. Each instance is independently operated with its own community, rules, and moderation, but can connect with other instances to create a decentralized social network.