2023-12-28 15:05:00
This enigmatic expression is actually a contraction of “federation” and “universe”. Concretely, the fediverse is a web of social media made up of different platforms and software interconnected thanks to a common protocol. This interconnection allows users of different social networks to communicate with each other without having to register on the same platform. In other words, the fedivers acts like a social network… social networks.
Let’s take the concrete example of Threads, Meta’s social network. If Threads joins the fediversary, its 100 million regular users will be able to interact with Internet users from other social networks without the usual constraints linked to registration on separate platforms.
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A concept that is not new
The concept is not new, but it has been gaining popularity lately. It was popularized around 2016 with the emergence of Mastodon, a long-time Twitter competitor.
However, it takes on a new dimension today, particularly in reaction to the setbacks of certain social networks which experienced controversies following their takeover by influential personalities, such as X (ex-Twitter) with Elon Musk. Some users wanting to leave the platform feel “trapped” on these platforms: the fediverse thus offers them a solution by ensuring the interoperability of the networks. It allows users to continue communicating with loved ones who remained on the original platform while exploring new options.
The announcement of the integration of Threads into the fediversity comes in a context where Meta is seeking to improve its image following the controversies surrounding Facebook. In 2022, the company was struggling to retain young users, and the rebranding operation around the metaverse had not had the desired effect. However, with its new app, Meta appears to have found a more relevant strategy, attracting more than 2.6 million downloads in just three days following arriving in Europe in December.
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Integrating Threads into the universe would mark a milestone in the evolution of social media, paving the way for a new era where users can interact seamlessly across different platforms, reinforcing the idea of an interconnected online community and accessible. The fediver thus becomes a bridge between the various worlds of social networks, offering users unprecedented freedom and flexibility in their online experience.
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