People on Mastodon...are there a lot of users who just spam stars and boosts like mad to get followers? Some posts seem to get a ton of instant, rapid interaction even though I only have 13 followers

Boosting liberally on Mastodon is encouraged bc that's the only way posts get exposure without an algorithm. I boost every post I see as long as it isn't offensive or low quality.

I’m a little more selective than that, personally. I also engage in conversation more liberally while encouraging people to follow hashtags rather than individuals, which helps discovery.

I had my first attempt at a relationship scammer on Mastodon. Exchanged some banal chat about science streams on Twitch, then she (if she was a she) dropped the "I'd like to get to know you better, let's take this to telegram or email".

Sure thing. I'm a 53 year old married father of two, I'm sure I'm a real catch

Ha sounds like the scammer knows their audience. Let’s try seducing middle aged dads talking about science on federated social networks… 🧪
- Gotta admit....I would be tempted

I have never encountered that. Am I unpopular even with spam bots?

Don't worry, we've been talking about you behind your back.
- "We" meaning the bots? Oh god, is AI going to be like high school again?
Most of my posts get zero engagement and it seems appropriate. Maybe it’s hashtags. The posts where I bitch about twitter or Reddit or google are usually the ones that get attention. I am just assuming people looking for follow backs but 🤷🏻‍♂️

I’m trying to keep my feed manageable at this point…not looking for 1,000 mutual followers that just follow for numbers.
- Unless you have a lot of active folks who follow you posts generally only get engagement from hashtags, groups, or local (if you're on a server with active local watchers)

Mastodon really runs on direct post engagement, especially boosts, to make the whole thing work without an algorithm

It’s very similar to tumblr in that a boost is supposed to function like a like/upvote to spread content, since no automated algorithm is going to suggest that post for you.

But I’m sure people are also trying to grow their networks quick, since it’s sort of a hollow experience without it

The optimist in me thinks the post was pretty clever but have a suspicion some people just smash star and boost until it’s meaningless. Like as soon as I hit send it started.

My most viral posts have a good image and a few relevant but widely used hashtags.

Either that, or a prompt witty reply to someone with a lot of followers.

There isn't an Algorithm™ for mastodon so the way to get the things you find interested promoted is through boosting. If I follow you and you follow Joe, boosting his post means I see it and maybe I end up subscribing.