The assumption is that centrally managed social media is bad because their algorithm is bad. But actually, they are bad because they are centrally managed and force one algorithm onto you. I’m not even advocating algorithm-by-choice. Even instance-specific algorithms would already work and would make the whole experience much more enjoyable and less boring. And if an instance’s algorithm(s) is too aggressive, it gets defederated. That would result in a much more exciting experience imo. And by the way: what’s the problem with getting old posts back in the timeline if it makes the overall conversation more interesting?
No. Just no. I like being in control of my timeline. I don’t need a computer to decide what I’ll find interesting.
Exactly why I stopped using Facebook because it was damned near impossible to have a chronological timeline on the app.
It wasn’t the only reason I left FB, but it was on the list.
In my case the algorithm bored the heck out of me. I stopped using Facebook since 2015. Even the youtube algorithm has started boring me now and I am happy with newpipe.
But you aren’t anyway because the post that go into it depend on the people you follow. If you have an transparent algorithm that you like it doesn’t change anything about that. It might just be a more enyoable experience if you choose your algorithm right.