Not sure if that’s the right place to ask, but I used to use Boost for Reddit and I was able to follow people (I don’t know if this was a Reddit or a Boost feature).
Is it possible to follow users in Lemmy? The only options I see are to either block or msg user.
On twitter, facebook, etc you follow people. Then the algorithm creates a bubble where you only get opinions and points of views you “like”.
On reddit and lemmy you follow subjects. Then you get a wider range of opinions and points of views about subjects you like.
One type creates celebrity “influencers” and polarization of opinions. The other doesn’t.
I really, really hope it stays that way.
There are thoughtful people whose opinions I value regardless of topic. Doesn’t mean I agree with them. Right now AFAIK the only {way} to see their content is to look at their profile.
There are ‘friends’ on Reddit as well.
But when you use reddit/lemmy the algorithms are based on popularity , which makes it vulnerable demagogy and other cognitive biases (like the tendency of the human mind to be a cognitive miser).
If a chain is as strong as it’s weakest link, it is better to use multiple chains, following users allows following people who are experts and extremely knowledgeable (andrew huberman for example).