this post was submitted on 18 Jul 2023
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Lemmy

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Everything about Lemmy; bugs, gripes, praises, and advocacy.

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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.

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[–] amihan@lemmy.world 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Not directly, but you can via RSS.

[–] jsveiga@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 year ago (4 children)

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.

[–] fratermus@lemmy.sdf.org 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 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.

[–] DucktorZee@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

There are 'friends' on Reddit as well.

[–] Max_P@lemmy.max-p.me 2 points 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 2 points 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).

[–] HeartyBeast@kbin.social 5 points 1 year ago

It os on Kbin, not sure on Lemmy

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