Mastodon
Mastodon is a decentralized social network with chronological feeds by default. No algorithm decides what you see.
Why this score
Chronological timelines mean no engagement optimization. No promoted content, no algorithmic boosting.
The decentralized model means no single company controls the engagement design. Push notifications exist but are less aggressive.
The breakdown
- Attention Capture3.0
Mechanics designed to keep you in the app right now — infinite scroll, autoplay, variable rewards, and reactive swipe-tap loops.
- Habit Formation2.0
Mechanics designed to bring you back — streak coercion, default push notifications, and re-engagement of dormant users.
- Social Pressure2.0
How much the experience exploits social psychology — public metrics, profile curation, and status comparison against others.
- Time Theft3.0
Mechanics that steal more time than you intended to give — no stopping cues, short units, and 'just one more' loops.
- Cognitive Erosion1.0
Mechanics that replace your independent thinking, memory, or judgment — creating dependency on the tool to function.
- Cognitive Nourishment3.0
Whether the app actively strengthens your ability to think for yourself. Shown on the label, but it does not affect the score.