@lauren I joined in 2019, years before the current rush in traffic and I didn't find it that hard, but that was a very different network than now and I am really into this stuff. I wish I could give advice about this.
I have heard a few complaints about servers being over moderated and kicking new users off, specifically with an online friend of mine. I am starting a personal Akkoma server at some point, and I plan to invite them to it (along with other friends and family) when I am done setting it up so that they don't have to go through it again.
There's also ancient Fediverse drama from before the current wave, but that would make this post very long, so it is best to omit it.
@ameshoney@beekeeping.ninja