The amount of data requested is not what I consider relevant. In the Slashdot case, real people will start following the link gradually, then will read the title, then maybe the subject, and then (those interested enough in) will click on the link.

In the Mastodon case, thousands of servers will hammer your site almost at the same exact time. Not people interested in what you may say at slightly different paces. Just automatic, powerful machines from all over the world. This is very similar to a DDoS.

You will not only suffer when you post a very remarkable or clickbaity link. You'll suffer everytime, even if no real human reach your site.

CC: @wimpy@fosstodon.org @ThirstyGayGeek@gaygeek.social @maikel@vmst.io