I click follow on people or channels I find that have interesting thoughts, opinions, facts etc.

I also clicked follow on you because you're interesting, not to far away and pretty

I tend to think that following people is a vform of stalking...I don't approve of strangers on my Facebook account following me. In this time of insecurity with personal data breaches and violence in the world, I would simply want to comminicate with those I know.

Just follow who you want, try and loose the worry or fear about the system. You know the magicians trick, so can't be fooled again

The great think about this site is that it is advertising free - so there's no call for tracking algorithms.
Then, there are interest groups, (look under "meet" - groups). So if you are a foodie, there's even a group for you - and somewhere to publicise your mutt or moggie.
Be bold! Explore! I, for one, love getting an insight into the minds of others - and I'm sure I'm not alone.