Decentralized Social Platforms
Decentralized social platforms are social networking services built on decentralized technologies, such as blockchain or peer-to-peer networks, that aim to give users control over their data, content, and interactions without reliance on central authorities. They often use protocols like ActivityPub or blockchain-based systems to enable interoperability, censorship resistance, and user ownership. Examples include Mastodon, Bluesky, and Lens Protocol, which prioritize privacy, data portability, and community governance.
Developers should learn about decentralized social platforms to build applications that address growing concerns over data privacy, censorship, and platform monopolies in traditional social media. They are particularly useful for creating niche communities, content monetization tools, or federated services where users retain ownership of their data. This knowledge is valuable in web3, open-source projects, or any context requiring resilient, user-centric social infrastructure.