Meta, the social media giant behind platforms like Instagram and Facebook, is making some intriguing moves for their Twitter-like Instagram, Threads.
Their standalone messaging app, Threads, is getting two major updates that suggest a shift in strategy.
Let’s break down what this means for users.
What is the Fediverse?
Before we dive into Threads’ new features, it’s important to understand the Fediverse.
Unlike centralized social networks (think X or Facebook), the Fediverse is a decentralized network. It’s made up of independently run servers that communicate using common protocols, much like email.
What does this mean for you? Instead of one giant social network, there are numerous smaller, interconnected communities. You can pick one that suits your interests, whether it’s tech, gaming, photography, or something else entirely.
Threads joins the decentralized movement
Meta’s integration of Threads with the Fediverse is a surprising yet potentially exciting development. This means Threads users will be able to communicate with people on Fediverse platforms like Mastodon, Pleroma, and more.
This breaks down the barriers between centralized and decentralized social networks.
Why Decentralization Matters
There are several advantages to a decentralized model:
- More control: Users have more say over the online communities they participate in
- Enhanced privacy: You’re not tied to the data collection practices of one giant company
- Resilience: The network isn’t reliant on a single company, making it less prone to censorship or outages
Threads introduces “Trending Now”
Alongside Fediverse integration, Threads is getting a new “Trending Now” feature. This algorithmically generated feed will highlight popular content from both within Threads and the wider Fediverse.
It’s a discovery tool, allowing users to find interesting discussions and posts even if they don’t directly follow the creators.
How to access “Trending Now”
If you’re a Threads user in the U.S., the new “Trending Now” feed should be available automatically within the app.
Here’s how to find it:
- Open Threads: Make sure you have the latest version installed, you may update Threads via the links below
- Tap the Explore icon: This is usually a magnifying glass at the bottom of your screen
- Select “Trending Now“: Should be prominently displayed
Integrating Threads with the Fediverse is a bold move. Meta appears to be acknowledging the appeal of decentralization and user control. It’s possible this is a move to attract a new and different kind of user to the platform, and potentially an effort to combat the rise of smaller, niche networks.
Whether this is a genuine embrace of decentralized principles or a strategic play to maintain Meta’s position remains to be seen.
Featured image credit: Martin Martz/Unsplash.
