I've given up and unfollowed all the common hashtags like (leaving out the # symbol) Ukraine, EU, Brexit....
Following them simply fills your timeline with hashtag-packers and the signal:noise ratio is terrible. Best to stick to following individual accounts.
@LouisIngenthron Boosts by others you follow is a bit slower but a lot more reliable and you don't have to sift quite so much chaff. You get there in the end.
@pieist On qoto you can follow keywords instead of hashtags partly for this reason.
@freemo Hmmm. I'll experiment with it, thanks!
@pieist Right, but hashtags are how you find those accounts to follow.
I've found a nice middle-ground though: Set up Lists to follow hashtags. That way they don't end up on your home screen, but any time you feel like you're not getting enough content, you can visit the list to find more.