What's Happening?
Mastodon, a decentralized social network, is set to introduce a new feature called 'Packs' to help new users discover curated collections of accounts to follow. This initiative is inspired by a similar feature from Bluesky, another open social platform. The 'Packs' feature aims to address the challenge new users face when joining social networks, often referred to as the 'cold start' problem. Users will have the option to control their inclusion in these Packs by adjusting their discoverability settings. The feature is part of the upcoming Mastodon 4.6 release, with the current version being 4.4.5. Mastodon gGmbH, the nonprofit behind the software, is collaborating with other developers on a Fediverse Enhancement Proposal to implement this feature.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of 'Packs' is significant as it could enhance user engagement and retention on Mastodon by simplifying the onboarding process for newcomers. By allowing users to easily find and follow accounts of interest, Mastodon could increase its active user base and compete more effectively with other social platforms. This feature also emphasizes user control over privacy and discoverability, aligning with Mastodon's decentralized and user-centric ethos. The move could influence other social networks to adopt similar features, potentially reshaping how users interact with and discover content on social media.
What's Next?
The initial version of 'Packs' is expected to be available in the Mastodon 4.6 release. As the feature rolls out, user feedback will likely play a crucial role in refining its functionality. Other social media platforms may observe Mastodon's implementation and consider similar features to enhance their user experience. The success of 'Packs' could lead to further innovations in user onboarding and discoverability across the social media landscape.
