I feel like the reason #Mastodon, and the #Fediverse at large, aren’t taking off has to do with the fact that they’re actually social networks. People don’t seem to want a social network, they want content platforms. People aren’t using #Twitter or #Threads or #TikTok to keep up with their friends these days, they’re using these apps to entertain themselves. And since #Facebook and every other platform that used to be a social network began pivoting toward content promotion, I think society has forgotten what a social network is supposed to actually be anymore.
(E: Grammar.)
For what it’s worth, I use Facebook to keep up with my friends. I don’t use any of the discovery features like Reels. I have friends and family in Australia where Facebook is more popular than in the USA.