One key reason for Mastodon's popularity is its decentralization. Unlike other social media platforms, it is not controlled by a single company. Instead, it is hosted on computers run by organizations or individuals. This allows Mastodon users to avoid data privacy problems encountered by other social media networks by having more control over their data.
Mastodon's decentralized structure also grants users more control over their content, determining who sees their posts and how their communities are administered. Other social media platforms often manage content moderation on their own, which can lead to issues with censorship or biased moderation.
On Mastodon, users frequently create close-knit communities based on shared interests, fostering a strong sense of community. The platform's community-driven nature also encourages more meaningful interactions among users. In contrast, some social networking platforms may leave users feeling less connected.
As an open-source project, Mastodon is continually evolving and improving. Users can contribute suggestions for additional features or enhancements, making it a more user-driven and dynamic platform compared to other social media networks.