Overall, I really like Lemmy, and the communities therein. There do seem to be some more radical takes on this platform than I’m used to. I haven’t heard of anyone being swatted or anything like that on here (or even actively doxxed), but there do seem to be more radical takes that what I’m used to on other platforms. I generally don’t engage with those groups. I’m just here for the memes, and to share my knowledge on topics I like. I don’t want to have to worry much about some bored, idealistic shitlord taking offense and going out of their way to nuke me.
As a new motorhead, how carefully do I need to tread, compared to other platforms? I ask, because it seems like posts on here are cast to a much broader network.
It’s whatever you want it to be.
In general, people on the fediverse are pretty chill and not hateful, but there are instances full of genocide deniers or literal white supremacists.
Thing is though, each instance moderates differently and your experience varies depending on where you are.
For example, beehaw.org (not sure if it’s back up) is a very heavily moderated and curated space, and most people there tend to be from marginalised groups. They will federate and defederate accordingly so that experience is preserved.
On the other hand, you have instances such as exploding heads which are “free speech” which attracts the kind of people you expect, and your interactions across the fediverse will follow suit.
Your instance and moderation defines your experience on the fediverse, not the platform.
That’s a good explanation, and the last line is the piece I think I was missing.