Neither the software development behind Mastodon, nor your local instance (assumption) runs on Ads.
You aren't subject to the surveillance economy.
You aren't subject to an algorithm that is designed to cause addiction and engagement through rage porn.
It is generally free and open source, but it still costs money to run.
*If* you have the means, consider donating monthly or once, even a little bit, to both the software development of Mastodon and to your local instance.
(Don't worry if you're not able to or don't want to.)
Mastodon Software Development:
https://www.patreon.com/mastodon
Example Local Instance (for infosec(dot)exchange): https://liberapay.com/Infosec.exchange/
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#feditips