We've all been there: you pick up your phone to look something up, and two hours later you're still scrolling through an endless stream of videos, comments and headlines. Time flies by, but you don't feel any better for it – quite the opposite, in fact. You're tired, irritable or numb. That's no coincidence: major social media platforms are designed to hold your attention for as long as possible. Every like, swipe or notification triggers a small dopamine spike, similar to a slot machine in a casino. And it keeps you hooked.
The result? A constant craving for stimulation that wears out your brain, without really giving you anything meaningful in return.
But the solution isn’t necessarily a new hobby or a digital detox. What you need is space. Maybe even boredom. Because boredom isn’t a problem, it’s an opportunity. It’s the starting point of intrinsic motivation. When you no longer need your phone for a while, you create space to reconnect with what you actually enjoy or find important. Reading. Writing. Creating. Learning something new. Or simply being online in a different way, with focus and intention.
That’s why it’s time to look at social media platforms that are built not on addiction, but on connection. Mastodon is one of those platforms.
Mastodon is an open-source, decentralized network made up of thousands of smaller communities (called instances). There’s no addictive algorithm endlessly feeding you content. Instead, you see posts from people you follow, shown in chronological order. Simple, calm, clear.
And that’s exactly why it works. On Mastodon, you’ll find people who genuinely want to share, not just post to chase engagement. You follow people because you’re interested in what they have to say, not because an algorithm pushed them in front of you. It’s a place where meaningful discussion and positive conversation can thrive. A space for dialogue, discovery, and exchange without infinite timelines or trending drama.
So, you want to escape the grip of addictive algorithms but still stay connected with others online: you want to try Mastodon. Here’s how to get started:
- Pick a Mastodon server: for example, you can sign up at waag.social, mastodon.nl, or mastodon.social. Or see an overview via joinmastodon.org.
- Once you’ve created your account, set up your profile and start following interesting people or hashtags. Read our tips to help you fill your timeline with content you care about.
- Post something, or just take your time to explore.
Unfollow, discover, mute, or boost: you’re in control. Mastodon might feel a bit unfamiliar at first. It’s slower, quieter, less polished. But that’s exactly the point.No endless scrolling. Just real, intentional online interaction.
