Maybe this is a dumb question. I've always been a lurker on social media, but I really want to help the Fediverse grow, and I've never been sure of how to engage with social media communities without feeling like I'm not contributing anything of value. What types of posts/comments/interactions are most needed on the Fediverse? Also, what are some tips on becoming less nervous to interact online? Sorry if this isn't the right community to post to, wasn't sure where to ask this.

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[–] emb@lemmy.world 6 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I think the best is when folks can provide expertise or information on a subject. Particularily in a way that surfaces infromation other users want to know, and bonus points if they didn't realize they wanted to know.

But that's the hard part. Any comment (that's kind and thoughtful at least) contributes to a sense of community. Same, to a lesser extent for just up and down voting. And all that is really easy to do.

[–] JubilantJaguar@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Seconded on all except the downvoting, which IMO does the opposite of "contributing to a sense of community". I suppose you don't agree and that's fine too, we will agree to disagree (no downvoting necessary).

[–] emb@lemmy.world 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I see where you're coming from, and that makes sense.

But I do think votes in both directions help curate the community into something that's more pleasant. I'm imagining downvotes more for suppressing trolling, aggressive, or all around unconstructive posts/comments.

[–] JubilantJaguar@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

I’m imagining downvotes more for suppressing trolling, aggressive, or all around unconstructive posts/comments

Yes, this is the usual rationale, and I won't question that you personally use them like this. In practice though, I'd say it's more like 90% for simply disagreeing, where "wrong" opinions may be rationalized post-hoc as the adjectives you use. All of which creates an atmosphere of toxicity for dissenters and stultifying conformism for everyone else. Humans are social creatures, it's not nice to be told to shut up, that one's carefully expressed opinion is worthless, and so in practice people with divergent views are just going to go elsewhere. Personally, I don't see the point of "exchanging" with bunch of people you already agree with down the line. But experience of social media has taught me that I'm pretty unusual. Alas.