The University of Twente (@utwente) has joined the Mastodon Pilot of SURF and the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL). Mastodon, an open-source decentralised social media platform, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional social networking sites, emphasising privacy, user control, and fostering meaningful interactions. Follow us now on Mastodon @utwente!
Getting Started
If you already have an account at one of Mastodon’s servers, go to https://social.edu.nl/@utwente and start following us. If not, you can register as a user with your UT account by following the steps below:
- Go to social.edu.nl in a web browser and click on Login.
- Click on SURFCONEXT.
- Choose the University of Twente
- Login with your UT-account
- You will see (once only) the data UT forwards in order for you to log in to the Mastodon server.
- At the bottom of the page, click the wide blue button to agree.
- Now choose your Mastodon username. Your full username will be @name@social.edu.nl Through this name you can be found by other users. Note: you cannot change your username later.
- Click the button to continue.
From then on you can log in with your UT account via https://social.edu.nl and send messages (Toots).
Why Mastodon?
Mastodon presents many advantages over other short message social media platforms like Twitter. Here are a few key reasons why we have chosen to explore Mastodon:
- Privacy and Data Ownership: Unlike mainstream social networks, Mastodon gives users complete control over their data. Your personal information remains in your hands, minimising the risk of data exploitation and ensuring privacy.
- Decentralisation: Mastodon operates on a federated model, meaning it consists of independently operated servers called "instances." This decentralisation fosters a vibrant and diverse network while reducing the influence of a single controlling entity.
- Focused Communities: These instances allow the creation of niche communities that cater to specific interests, fields, or projects. By joining these instances, you can connect with like-minded individuals and engage in focused discussions.
One of these focused communities is the SURF pilot instance social.edu.nl. This mastodon environment is focused on education and research in the Netherlands. Join us and discover how students, researchers, staff and institutions can experiment with Mastodon in a low-threshold way.
More information
Mastodon is currently considered the alternative to Twitter. SURF and the Universities of the Netherlands are therefore jointly exploring how a Mastodon environment for education and research in the Netherlands can take shape. SURF started the pilot in February 2023 for all institutions in WO, HBO, MBO, research and the UMCs. This way, they do not have to set up their own IT environment or acquire specific expertise.
For more information about Mastodon and the pilot, please visit the website of SURF.
