Decentralized social-media platforms (Mastodon, etc.)

Hi Everyone,

Though I've been using Twitter as a main platform, it's become increasingly difficult to spread content with all the shenanigans happening with it. I am wondering whether y'all know any reliable alternatives?

I just signed-up to Mastodon (mastodon.social) but I'm not sure how exactly it works. It's advertised as Twitter nemesis, providing a decentralized, self-hosted platform. Still, as any new product, it's a little hard to navigate.

https://mastodon.social

Feel free to share your favourite platform below, and a short explanation how it works.
Much love;)