Scientists Flock to Mastodon as Twitter Use Declines: A Shift in Social Media Landscape

Thousands of scientists are turning to Mastodon as they cut back on Twitter, signaling a significant shift in the social media landscape.

Introduction: In a recent survey conducted by the journal Nature, it was revealed that a growing number of scientists are reducing their use of Twitter and seeking alternative platforms. The survey, although limited in its scope, shed light on the dissatisfaction and uncertainty among scientists on Twitter. The most common alternative platform mentioned was Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform that offers a more secure and community-driven experience. This article explores the reasons behind scientists' migration to Mastodon and the implications for the future of social media in the scientific community.

Twitter's Decline and Scientists' Response

Over the past year, studies have shown a decline in Twitter usage, with a drop in global advertising reach and a decrease in overall activity. The Nature survey, which focused on scientists who had tweeted about their own publications, revealed that over 50% of respondents reported a decline in their use of Twitter. While only 7% had completely abandoned the platform, the decrease in activity has had a significant impact on the network's value.

Studies on Science Twitter and Mastodon

Several studies have examined the behavior of scientists on Twitter and Mastodon, providing insights into the reasons behind their migration. The Climatoscope project, which monitors the climate change debate on Twitter, found that a third of accounts tweeting about climate change had stopped. Similarly, a study analyzing participants in "Environment Twitter," who frequently tweet about biodiversity and climate change mitigation, showed a considerable drop in activity compared to other users. Additionally, the Cyentia Institute's analysis of "Infosec Twitter," a community of information security professionals, revealed a dramatic decline in activity, suggesting a shift to other platforms.

The Rise of Mastodon

Mastodon emerged as the most popular alternative platform among scientists, with nearly half of the respondents in the Nature survey mentioning it. Mastodon's growth since the Twitter takeover in October has been significant, with a surge in accounts and increased activity. The platform's appeal lies in its decentralized nature and improved usability, thanks to the influx of donations and open-source development. Mastodon's growth has also seen increased institutional participation, with journals and researchers embracing the platform as a means of advancing scholarly discourse and community-building. Conclusion: The migration of scientists to Mastodon reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction with Twitter and a desire for a more democratic and community-driven social media experience. While the Nature survey provides valuable insights, further research is needed to fully understand the extent of this migration and its implications for the scientific community. As Mastodon continues to grow and evolve, it offers scientists an alternative space to engage in scholarly discourse and reclaim ownership of the scholarly commons. The rise of Mastodon signals a shift in the social media landscape, where platforms like Twitter may need to adapt to meet the changing needs and preferences of their users.