I’ve been using Matrix/Element for around three years. I have there my family, a couple of friends and a couple of services that use it for alert, information. I host a non-federated server on a VPS in Germany. My approach has been simple: do you want to chat with me? Use Matrix. Otherwise, call me or send me emails.

If privacy is important for you, then make it a priority.

Me too! I’be been using it for two years and it’s my chat application with my family and (some) friends. I’m happy with the stability and overall functionalities.