I’ve just joined Mastodon, and I’m a little confused about the effect of joining a particular server. If I understand it correctly, I can join any server, but then I can search or follow users and hashtags across all of Mastodon?
If that’s right, then what difference does it make which server I actually join? Does the server determine what posts/news I see without searching?
Correct, you can join any server (if they are accepting new members).
Correct.
Your home feed will have the same boosts and posts no matter what server you’re on. You will, however, not see all posts from followed hashtags but rather only the hashtagged posts your server knows about.
So long story short, if you’re new you should probably join a big server because it helps discover more content. Once you’re settle you can move servers if you wish, to a community that’s more specific to your interests.