matrix
I'm writing this short post to explain my move to matrix
I'm moving to matrix because:
- It's private
- It's decentralised
- It's free(dom)
- It's good enough
Technically matrix is not a chat app, but a secure messaging protocol. Matrix defines how messages are sent between devices, but it does not concern itself with the graphical interface of an actual chat application. That is handled by a client.
Matrix: a protocol
Client: an application which uses the Matrix protocol, e.g. Element
Basically how to 'use matrix' (literally not actually more complicated than any other chat app):
- Install element (avaiable for desktop and mobile - it's cross platform)
- Make a matrix account. You will want to use the matrix.org homeserver probably (these are like bluesky handles or email addresses)
- Join rooms
Matrix chatrooms are a bit like a weird mix between whatsapp (ew) and discord. You have regular rooms which are like whatsapp groups or discord group dms, but then you also have spaces, which are collections of rooms, which are like whatsapp communities (ew), or discord servers.