Open source people have a history of…questionable naming schemes (looking at you, GIMP). We should backronym Lemmy to something more normie. I’ll start:
Dude. The person running it already gave a long post about their stance on this matter. Chill out and don’t jump the gun. They are volunteers, not corpos.
Counterpoint: I registered early with one of those no-email instances but could not log in due to it being overwhelmed. I gave up and registered with .world. I suspect a large number of early adopters are in the same situation.
Will you drink a can of Coke™ lying around a stranger’s house without asking? No? Then, ask for permission as a matter of etiquette unless there are signs specifically saying it is ok to use them.
In 12 years, selfhosting will be so cheap and one-push-button easy that everyone will have their own instance and federated with each other. It will be called Neo-Geocities 2.0.
Your mum is 70. As far as you’re concerned, you’re her Guardian now. Block that shit and put old NatGeo specials on repeat. “Old” because the current NatGeo is shitty Yank Trucker Alien Tuna Trash. You must treat her like a child who needs guidance and fresh air. Limit the tv and internet to 3 hours a day. Make her spend daytime hours socializing irl with pensioners club etc.
Be patient. We are like pioneers settling a newly discovered land.