Overview
In February 2025, I started presented my talk Is it time to move to the Fediverse ? to on-line and local u3a groups. Whilst the main goal of the talk was to describe how the Fediverse worked from a technical point of view, I added the question … Should we, u3a worldwide, create a Fediverse server for our use ?
The idea being that u3a members could use this server to communicate with each other outside of the trappings of the mainstream social sites – so no ads, no billionaire’s, no tracking, no algorithms and no AI. Since the site would be connect to the rest of the Fediverse, u3a members could also communicate with others (eg read news) within the single app.
To explore the level of interest in the idea, I registered the domain https://u3a.social for 12 months with a re-direct to an information page that includes a very short survey to gather opinion (after all, there is little point in proceeding with the idea if no-one is interested).
The survey
Much to my surprise, the idea of https://u3a.social was received very well! Comments included-
- I do not and have not used social media. I’m far too paranoid but this is something I would embrace. I see a need for u3a groups/members to be in contact.
- I have always wanted to find a way to connect with u3a members outside the TAT silos!
- I think the Fediverse is a good idea for the u3a.
- I think its about time we took control of our data
- Badly needed – I spend too much time clearing out adverts!
- …. and many more
The survey results included:
Do you think u3a.social is a good idea?
If u3a.social took off, would you join ?
Would you be able to spare some time to help with moderation or similar non-technical tasks ?
Would you be able to spare some time to help with administration or similar technical tasks ?
What I’ve taken from this talk
These are the main point I’ve taken from doing these talks and looking at the comments.
- There is a thirst for member-to-member communications
- Whilst some don’t know how to use social media, it seems many u3a members really hate the mainstream social sites and choose not to use them
- There is a significant demand for more technical talks
- There are offers to help
- Ideally, we need some sort of approval from the Third Age Trust
Next steps
I have reached out to the Third Age Trust but its hard getting any traction. I understand the trust is currently focused on trust->member communications via mainstream social sites and not attempting to create a space for member->member communications on a better platform.
Its worth you contacting your local trust representative to request such facilities as member->member communications. The more voices they hear the better.
We could still go head and create a server at https://u3a.social, although it could be a challenge to attract users without the trusts blessing.
Alternatively, we can always create some groups on an existing Fediverse platform that supports groups (eg https://friendica.world, or https://my-place.social/).
Any thoughts? I’ve enabled comments below.