Heyho! With Lemmy version v0.19.4 alt texts for image posts got finally added to Lemmy.
Apps and web frontends such as Jerboa, Voyager, Photon and the standard web UI have now the option to provide alt text for an image post and to display alt texts.
I hope slrpnk.net users will use this feature <3
A (short) FAQ to alt text
What is alt text?
"Alternative text (alt text) is used to describe non-textual elements, like photos, icons, and data visualizations." (Source)
How does it look when used in an image post?
In App or the standard web UI: https://slrpnk.net/post/12145982 Photon: https://photon.slrpnk.net/post/slrpnk.net/12145982
Who benefits from alt texts?
Alt text in social media is primarily used to make posts more accessible to users with vision impairment. They can access the text with screen readers. Users with limited bandwidth and metered internet connections also benefit by saving data. Additionally, in case the image itself is not available (e.g. the host is down), the alt text still provides context for the post or comments. Another point is that the alt text is compatible with other parts of the fediverse and will for example federate with Mastodon instances which benefits everyone interested in the interoperability of the fediverse.
How to write alt text?
I myself am not an expert on this, but a good rule of thumb would be to focus on whats important for the context of the image. Giving a detailed description of the clouds in the background might be not so useful when posting the image of a plant in plant focused community. Besides that, here are some guides from more experienced folks:
- How to Write Good ALT Text
- How To Write Alt Text For Memes
- Write helpful Alt Text to describe images
Is alt text solarpunk?
I think yes and it fits really well with the "be empathic: empathy is more rebellious than a middle finger" rule of the slrpnk.net server.
Do you think alt text should be mandatory?
No, but I will remind posters in the communities I mod to use the feature with this post as a reference.
I want you to add something to this post or have more questions.
Please let me know in the comments. Questions are very welcome :)