Defederation should be a last resort when an instance is always making problems outside of itself or have illegal content. Otherwise it is better for the network to remain connected and not partitioned and for blocks and moderation to deal with problems. Respectful community members should be allowed to participate respectfully all over the network regardless of their views as long as they behave.

For example I personally am very critical of Israel, and would not want a Palestinian instance defederated, but at the same time, an Israeli instance deserves to be allowed to enjoy it as well even if the two are very likely to have different views.

[–] nivenkos@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Does it accomplish much? The same users can just create accounts on lemmy.ml or here.

The brigading is an issue, but defederating doesn't seem like a huge help right now.

[–] TheAgeOfSuperboredom@lemmy.ca 11 points 1 year ago

Doesn't defederating mean posts won't show up? That seems like probably the main reason to defederate. You'll never stop people from creating new accounts or a new instance, but defederating creates friction forcing people to take an alternative route if they want to troll.

Regarding lemmygrad, has there been any trolling via alt accounts on instances that have defederated? Even if I disagree with their politics they seem generally respectful of the communities. But I've been away from Lemmy for a while so maybe I've missed something.

[–] certain_people@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

Oxygen of publicity spreads toxicity. Defederation would take away a huge part of their potential to reach people, if they're being toxic.

[–] FantasticFox@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It makes it harder. I doubt most people are that determined.