Boosting is retweeting. Favoriting is liking.

Initial log in in the apps should default to mastodon.social with other servers buried under a menu

Yes, that’s true. I am under the impression that “the algorithm” on the popular platforms mixes in posts from people you don’t follow. The only one I was somewhat familiar with was the Twitter one from when I was there.

To me, Mastodon’s biggest problem is its refusal to have an algorithm to surface popular content.

Isn’t Explore - Posts on the desktop web client exactly what you’re looking for? It was always there and it’s where I spend most of my Mastodon time.

With all the context behind it I think the last scene of Star Trek: The Next Generation counts

Edit: Added link