Today, the largest social media networks require users to sign up with their service and limit the experience to content posted on that network. This lack of interoperability has been criticized by some as a “walled garden.” The “fediverse” is a decentralized social network allowing users across any server to view and share content with one another. Is this social media’s future direction?”

The fediverse is gaining momentum. Up to 20 million people(1) may already be using this system of connected but independent social networks. That number may balloon as users of Meta’s microblogging service Threads can now opt-in to the fediverse if they are over 18 and have a public profile.