Mastodon is a decentralized social media platform that runs on a network of independent servers or 'instances.' Unlike traditional platforms like Twitter or Facebook, users can select an instance with its own rules and community standards. This decentralization provides users with greater control over their data and community engagement. It is an open-source platform that prioritizes privacy and community-led governance.

Mastodon is entirely free to use. As an open-source project, anyone can set up and operate a Mastodon server without mandatory charges. Some instances may request donations to support server management, but users should check their chosen instance's policies to understand any voluntary contributions.

To discover people or communities on Mastodon, start by browsing your local instance's timeline to see posts from nearby users. Use relevant hashtags to explore interests. Many instances offer directories or 'About' pages listing recommended users or hashtags. Joining larger instances can also enhance the diversity of communities you can access.

Mastodon emphasizes user privacy and data security. Because it is decentralized, each instance has its own data management policies. Users should review their chosen instance's privacy policy. Generally, Mastodon does not sell user data to advertisers like some major social media platforms. Its open-source nature fosters transparency, allowing users to select instances with strong privacy practices.

Yes, Mastodon can be accessed on mobile devices through third-party apps available for Android and iOS platforms. Popular apps include Tusky for Android and Mast for iOS, offering user-friendly interfaces for engagement. The web interface is also mobile-compatible and can be used via any web browser.