Based on my experience rejoining the fediverse recently, it's just like my continuous attempts since 2017 to replace the Windows operating system with Linux. I have explored many distributions and tried to distro hop multiple times in search of an operating system suitable for my ancient laptop hardware. There are so many new applications with different names and command lines that I continuously wonder what they are, using search engines, and I have often considered going back to the Windows operating system because I can't play Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Roblox, as those games no longer support Wine. However, now that I have grown up, I realize that I don't need those fancy apps and games that actually ask for more money instead of knowledge and fair use, treating me as a product or forcing me to be their customer.
The same goes for my recent switch to the fediverse. I tried to join the fediverse because the Vivaldi web browser recommended their instance called Vivaldi Social, and the local media informed me that there is a decentralized competitor to Twitter or Elon Musk's platform. Additionally, an app store on my Android recommended me Lemmy client apps because that large Reddit site began charging its users money to fully enjoy their content without ads, which became controversial.
So, this is a new beginning for me. I find it hard to replace my data collection-based platforms with decentralized ones like the fediverse or ActivityPub, but for now, I will make sure to minimize my data and exposure to those centralized apps and engage in more privacy-respecting platforms. There are so many client apps for the fediverse.
It took me a lot of fits and starts to finally make the switch to Linux. The Fediverse was a little different, but it was the same kind of thing—I just decided I had to make the jump.
My current VPN is helping by blocking Reddit, and honestly, that’s been a big help in keeping me here. It forces me to come here instead, which I probably needed. I still have some roles with local groups that keep me tied to Facebook, but I’m working on changing that.
I know it's often joked about, but the command line is genuinely fun. I enjoy discovering games, apps, and commands that I actually like using. With the great desktop environments available, it doesn’t feel forced—but if you’re curious, there’s so much out there to explore.