Can we actually count the number of instances and users on Mastodon (the fediverse)? I have alt accounts in at least two separate "bubbles" of servers that only federate with each other and wouldn't show up in stats like this.
I assume nodes capable of interacting via activity pub? Good question - if a server uses activity pub but not in a way that's compatible with say mastodon (e.g. they use notes for a different purpose), then does this count or not?
I think framing social networks with metrics like number of nodes or active daily users is inadequate and only designed to appeal to some VC/founder mode bros.