@acw I think it is relatively simple for me: one comes to some places like thematic fora or mastodon not to deal with people one knows ("friends") but to purposefully interact with strangers. More tinder way, if you like. I have 2 telegram groups where I talk to people I know already and I am not sure they are like mastodon to me. (mastodon changed for me in the meantime though, much more interactions with new friends)