Overall, I really like Lemmy, and the communities therein. There do seem to be some more radical takes on this platform than I'm used to. I haven't heard of anyone being swatted or anything like that on here (or even actively doxxed), but there do seem to be more radical takes that what I'm used to on other platforms. I generally don't engage with those groups. I'm just here for the memes, and to share my knowledge on topics I like. I don't want to have to worry much about some bored, idealistic shitlord taking offense and going out of their way to nuke me.
As a new motorhead, how carefully do I need to tread, compared to other platforms? I ask, because it seems like posts on here are cast to a much broader network.
Your safety depends on how curious you are and how far it leads you. You can be considered safe, by being in one solitary place at all times and doing next to nothing. You always risk your safety when you go exploring. There is not a single platform that perfects safety among it's community, with the exception of implementing tools and features that'd at least provide security so that exposure and exploitation is kept at a strict minimum.
The sad reality is, is that, I wouldn't put it past Lemmy for it to contain at least a handful of these bored shitposting edgelords with too much time on their hands. Then again, is it really Lemmy's fault? You're going to come across a band of these people on all walks of the internet, it's just a matter of what volume of them that there is and whether or not it can be regulated and enforced by the community on whether or not they're welcomed.