Not sure if that’s the right place to ask, but I used to use Boost for Reddit and I was able to follow people (I don’t know if this was a Reddit or a Boost feature).

Is it possible to follow users in Lemmy? The only options I see are to either block or msg user.

  • jsveiga@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    14
    arrow-down
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    On twitter, facebook, etc you follow people. Then the algorithm creates a bubble where you only get opinions and points of views you “like”.

    On reddit and lemmy you follow subjects. Then you get a wider range of opinions and points of views about subjects you like.

    One type creates celebrity “influencers” and polarization of opinions. The other doesn’t.

    I really, really hope it stays that way.

    • Frater Mus@lemmy.sdf.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      There are thoughtful people whose opinions I value regardless of topic. Doesn’t mean I agree with them. Right now AFAIK the only {way} to see their content is to look at their profile.

    • Max-P@lemmy.max-p.me
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      This would make a lot of sense when it comes to integration with Mastodon, even if Lemmy isn’t exactly made for following specific people.

      Different ways to present mostly the same data.

    • wiki_me@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      On twitter, facebook, etc you follow people. Then the algorithm creates a bubble where you only get opinions and points of views you “like”.

      But when you use reddit/lemmy the algorithms are based on popularity , which makes it vulnerable demagogy and other cognitive biases (like the tendency of the human mind to be a cognitive miser).

      If a chain is as strong as it’s weakest link, it is better to use multiple chains, following users allows following people who are experts and extremely knowledgeable (andrew huberman for example).