Reset recommendations while preserving your profile and matches

Abstract

The method includes forming a first recommendation of a second user for a first user of an online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and forming a second recommendation of a second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 407,295, filed September 16, 2022, entitled "Recommendation Reset with Profile and Match Preservation," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to online matching systems in which users interact, and in particular to resetting at least a portion of a profile on such systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Online social networks (e.g., applications or websites) match one entity (e.g., a user) with another entity. For example, one online social networking site may match potential romantic partners. Another online social networking site may match potential employees with potential employers.

[0004] To encourage interaction, sites often recommend users to each other. However, users sometimes become dissatisfied with the recommendations made by online social networking sites. For example, users sometimes undergo personal changes (e.g., they begin to seek more serious relationships) and want to modify the recommendations made by the social networking site. As a result, users sometimes delete their accounts with the intention of creating a new account to reset these recommendations.

[0005] Additionally, some social networking sites may promote (e.g., boost) new users' profiles to increase their potential matching opportunities, so users may delete their accounts and create new ones to take advantage of this promotional feature. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first implementation example, a method includes forming a first recommendation of a second user for a first user of an online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and forming a second recommendation of a second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0007] A second implementation is the first implementation, where the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0008] A third implementation example is any of the first and second implementation examples, further including conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0009] A fourth implementation example is any of the first to third implementation examples, further including conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0010] A fifth implementation example is any of the first to fourth implementation examples, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0011] A sixth implementation example is any of the first to fifth implementation examples, further including updating the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0012] A seventh implementation is any of the first through sixth implementations, further comprising promoting the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0013] In an eighth implementation, a computer-readable non-transitory medium is encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by a processing unit, perform operations including: forming a first recommendation of a second user for a first user of an online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and forming a second recommendation of a second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0014] A ninth implementation example is the eighth implementation example, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0015] A tenth implementation example is the eighth or ninth implementation example, wherein the operation further includes conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0016] An eleventh implementation example is any of the eighth to tenth implementation examples, wherein the operation further includes conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0017] A twelfth implementation example is any of the eighth to eleventh implementation examples, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0018] A thirteenth implementation example is any of the eighth to twelfth implementation examples, wherein the operation further includes updating the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0019] A fourteenth implementation is any of the eighth through thirteenth implementations, wherein the operations further include promoting the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0020] In a fifteenth implementation, an apparatus includes: a processor configured to form a first recommendation of a second user of an online social networking site for a first user of the online social networking site based on a first profile of a first account of the first user of the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user of the online social networking site, and to conduct a first interaction between the first account and the second account; and a network interface configured to receive a request to reset the first profile. The processor is further configured to maintain a first portion of the first profile, generate an updated profile by resetting a second portion of the first profile, and form a second recommendation of the second user of the online social networking site for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0021] A sixteenth implementation example is the fifteenth implementation example, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0022] A seventeenth implementation example is the fifteenth or sixteenth implementation example, wherein the processor is further configured to conduct a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0023] An eighteenth implementation example is any of the fifteenth to seventeenth implementation examples, wherein the processor is further configured to perform a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0024] A nineteenth implementation example is any of the fifteenth to eighteenth implementation examples, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0025] A twentieth implementation example is any of the fifteenth to nineteenth implementation examples, wherein the processor is further configured to update the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0026] A twenty-first implementation is any of the fifteenth through twentieth implementations, wherein the processor is further configured to market the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0027] In a 22nd implementation example, an apparatus includes means for forming a first recommendation of a second user of an online social networking site for a first user of the online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site; means for conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; means for receiving a request to reset the first profile; means for generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and means for forming a second recommendation of a second user of the second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0028] A twenty-third implementation example is the twenty-second implementation example, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0029] A 24th implementation example is the 22nd or 23rd implementation example, further comprising means for conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0030] A 25th implementation example is any of the 22nd to 24th implementation examples, further comprising means for conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0031] A 26th implementation example is any of the 22nd to 25th implementation examples, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0032] A 27th implementation example is any of the 22nd to 26th implementation examples, further comprising means for updating the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0033] A twenty-eighth implementation is any of the twenty-second through twenty-seventh implementations, further comprising means for promoting the updated profile on a social networking site. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow for a user of a social networking site to delete a profile and create a new profile on the social networking site.

[0035] [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an algorithm for a recommended reset system according to an implementation example of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical flow in which a like from one user is rejected by another user on a social networking site.

[0037] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates an algorithm for a recommendation reset system after a like is rejected, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates an algorithm for skipping profiles according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a computing device according to various implementations of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] For the purpose of illustrating the present technical improvements, it may be useful to understand the phenomena associated with various implementations of the present disclosure. The following basic information may be considered as a basis for describing the present disclosure. Such information is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure and its potential applications.

[0041] Some online dating sites request that users complete a profile outlining their attributes and those of their potential matches. These profiles may contain a significant amount of information, such as photos, videos, audio prompts, social demographic information (e.g., age, religion), and open-ended responses. Based on this information, the online dating site can recommend potential matches to its users.

[0042] Some online dating sites allow users (also called "searchers") to express interest in potential matches (also called "targets") through actions such as "likes" and "hearts." After a user and a potential match express mutual interest, the user and the potential match are "matched." On many social networking sites, a match is a prerequisite for users to begin communicating with each other.

[0043] To distinguish between general interest in a potential match and specific interest in the potential match, some dating sites offer premium features to indicate special interest, which may include, for example, a Super Like™ or “rose” feature. When a user signals special interest in a potential match, the dating site may prioritize matching the user with the potential match. For example, the dating site may prioritize displaying the user's profile to the potential match the next time the potential match logs in to the dating site.

[0044] If a target is not of interest to the user, the user can pass on the target. In some cases, this passing can be considered a skip, a rejection, or simply not pursuing the target within a predetermined period of time. To maintain the user's interest, the dating site refrains from displaying the target's profile to the user again unless some trigger occurs. Such a trigger can be, for example, viewing the profiles of all potential matches in a particular area, the expiration of a predetermined period of time (e.g., one year), or an action by the user.

[0045] Some dating sites allow users to revoke their pass if the revocation command is given within a set period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), while other dating sites offer a special feature that allows users to revoke their pass for a fee.

[0046] To maintain long-term interest in the dating site, many dating sites limit the amount of interaction a user can have within one or more predetermined periods of time. For example, a site may limit the number of profiles a user is provided with within an eight-hour period. As another example, a site may limit the number of likes a user can send within a 24-hour period.

[0047] To avoid user discomfort, some social networking sites allow searchers to report targets (or targets to report searchers) for harassment or other inappropriate behavior. Similarly, some social networking sites allow searchers to exclude certain targets from their potential matches. For example, a searcher may want to exclude relatives, coworkers, friends, or former romantic partners from their potential matches. Furthermore, some social networking sites allow searchers to unmatch targets if there is no longer any mutual interest in maintaining the match.

[0048] To reset the path, a searcher may delete their account. Figure 1 shows a flow 100 in which a user deletes their profile and creates a new profile on a social networking site. The flow starts at S105 and continues to S110.

[0049] At S110, a first user (e.g., a searcher) of a social networking site creates an account for themselves that includes a first profile. The profile may include, for example, a photo of the searcher. The profile may also include the searcher's hobbies as well as romantic interests. On some social networking sites, the profile may also include social demographic information for the searcher. Flow 100 then proceeds to S115.

[0050] In S115, the social networking site optionally recommends profiles of other users (e.g., targets) to the searcher. The recommendations are based on the searcher's profile and the target's profile. The flow then proceeds to S120.

[0051] At S120, the searcher optionally interacts with the target's profile. This interaction may include, for example, disliking the target's profile, skipping the target's profile, or rejecting potential matches with the target's profile. In some social networking sites, this interaction may be defined by the searcher not interacting with the target's profile within a predetermined period of time.

[0052] Regardless of the optional interaction at S120, if the searcher decides to delete their profile on the social networking site, flow 100 then proceeds to S125.

[0053] At S125, the social networking site receives a deletion request from the searcher to delete the searcher's profile. Flow 100 then proceeds to S130.

[0054] In S130, the social networking site deletes all interactions with the searcher on the social networking site. This action may include actions with the target person, such as interactions performed in S120. Flow 100 then proceeds to S135.

[0055] In S135, the social networking site deletes the searcher's profile. Flow 100 then proceeds to S140.

[0056] The searcher then decides to create a new profile on the social networking site. Flow 100 then proceeds to S140.

[0057] At S140, the searcher creates a new profile, which essentially involves recreating the searcher's profile, by uploading a photo and specifying their romantic interests, hobbies, and social demographic information. Flow 100 then proceeds to S145.

[0058] In S145, the social networking site recommends profiles of the target person to the searcher. The recommendations are based on the searcher's next profile and the target person's profile created in S140. Flow 100 then proceeds to S150.

[0059] Flow 100 ends at S150.

[0060] Unfortunately, the next profile in S140 does not have access to the searcher's previous data, which is particularly evident, but not limited to, when the first user deletes their account, causing the first user to lose all previous conversations with other users with whom they have been matched.

[0061] This can lead searchers to believe that all of their previous data, including their existing matches and previous profiles, has been lost.

[0062] Creating an account can take a searcher a long time to go through the registration process, which negatively impacts user retention because not all users who delete their account create a new one. Additionally, users have little or no control over recommendations, and currently have no other option to control recommendations other than deleting their account and starting over.

[0063] Users want to reset their recommendations while preserving their profile and matches, and some implementations of the present disclosure can provide time savings and user control over this process.

[0064] The present disclosure allows users to reset their recommendations without creating a new profile and without losing their matches and received likes. That is, users can keep their matches and likes. Various implementations allow users some control over their recommendations without having to start over and losing valuable information about their account.

[0065] Various implementations of the present disclosure allow a searcher's history in their social networking feed to be cleared, along with any previous likes and skips they may have, so that the searcher has the opportunity to revisit other users' profiles.

[0066] 2 illustrates a high-level flow algorithm 200 for a recommended reset system according to one implementation of the present disclosure. The algorithm 200 starts at S205 and proceeds to S210.

[0067] At S210, a first user (e.g., a searcher) of the social networking site creates an account for themselves that includes a first profile, similar to S110. The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S215, S220, or S225.

[0068] In S215, the social networking site optionally receives a deletion request from the searcher to delete their account. Therefore, some algorithm implementations suggest an adjustable reset instead of the searcher deleting their account. The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S225.

[0069] Alternatively, at S220, the social networking site optionally determines that a skip threshold has been exceeded. In one implementation, the skip threshold is defined by the searcher skipping a predetermined number of consecutive profiles (e.g., five consecutive profiles). In another implementation, the skip threshold is defined by the searcher skipping a predetermined number of profiles within a predetermined time period (e.g., 50 profiles in one day). In yet another implementation, the skip threshold is defined by the searcher skipping a predetermined percentage of potential matches within a specific area (e.g., 20% of potential matches within the searcher's preferred geographic distance). In this manner, some implementations suggest a profile reset based on a perceived frustration on the part of the searcher. By offering a profile reset in this manner, the social networking site can retain users. The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S225.

[0070] At S225, the matching system receives a request from the searcher to reset (e.g., "start over") their profile. This request may itself be in response to providing a reset as described in S215 or S220. In some implementations, the searcher may simply request a reset as a feature of the social networking site. Algorithm 200 then proceeds to S230.

[0071] At S230, the social networking site determines to maintain a first portion of the searcher's profile. In some implementations, this first portion of the profile includes immutable data, such as the user's date of birth. In some implementations, this portion of the profile includes geographic data, because a change of location (e.g., moving house) is not associated with the creation of a new profile or account.

[0072] Thus, for social demographic information that does not change frequently (e.g., gender and religion), social sites do not necessarily request searchers to re-enter this information. On the other hand, resetting can be used effectively for searchers who change their gender or religion. Indeed, once a profile is reset, it may be possible to update any part of the user's profile, except for information that the service provider has determined cannot be changed, such as the user's date of birth.

[0073] The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S232.

[0074] In S232, the social networking site deletes the second portion of the first profile. In various implementations, the social networking site prompts the user for input (e.g., "reset") to identify the portion of the first profile that the searcher wants to designate as the second portion. The algorithm then proceeds to S234.

[0075] At S234, the social networking site optionally updates a third portion of the first profile based on the information received from the first user. The third portion may include the second portion of the profile. For example, if the prompt states "number of drinks per week," the second portion of the profile may be "more than 14 drinks." If the user is gradually reducing their alcohol consumption, the third portion of the profile may be "3 to 7 drinks."

[0076] In this way, if social attribute information (e.g., the user's desired relationship depth, the searcher's drinking frequency) may change, the social networking site allows this information to be updated when the searcher resets their profile.

[0077] The third part is not limited to including the second part of the profile: the searcher may, for example, have refused to answer a previous prompt (e.g., "Do you want children?") but now has a clear answer.

[0078] The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S235.

[0079] In this manner, the social networking site may generate an updated profile of the first user based on maintaining the first portion of the first profile, deleting the second portion of the first profile, and / or updating the third portion of the first profile.

[0080] At S235, the social networking site optionally deletes interactions performed by the searcher. These interactions may include, for example, sending skips, sending and / or receiving likes, and sending ratings for other profiles on the social networking site. In this manner, the first user may again interact with the second profile via skips, sending or receiving likes, and / or sending ratings for the second profile.

[0081] In some implementations, if a searcher sends a like to a subject and the subject has not yet responded, the system does not reset the like. As a result, the searcher remains in the subject's "favorites" list. Similarly, in some implementations of the system, if a subject sends a like to a searcher and the subject has not yet responded, the system does not reset the like. These subjects remain in the searcher's "favorites" tab, for example.

[0082] In many implementations, certain actions are not reset. For example, if a searcher receives a like and the like has not been replied to, there is no reply to reset. Of course, some implementations may reset likes sent by other accounts. This reset may be particularly valuable in implementations where machine learning considers sending a like because the other user may no longer like the searcher's updated profile.

[0083] Some implementations do not reset the action to preserve the searcher's comfort. For example, if a searcher reports a target for inappropriate behavior, the social networking site may maintain the report (i.e., not reset it) to prevent the searcher from encountering the target again. Similarly, if a searcher skips a target, certain implementations may maintain the skip (i.e., not reset it). Similarly, if a searcher unmatches a target, various implementations may maintain the unmatch (i.e., not reset it). Of course, some implementations allow for resetting the unmatch and other actions. Algorithm 200 then proceeds to S240.

[0084] At S240, the social networking site can optionally reset the searcher's daily limit. After the reset begins, the searcher may be looking for new potential matches. Therefore, to avoid frustration on the searcher's side, the social networking site can reset the daily limit of likes (e.g., 10 likes). Similarly, the social networking site can reset the daily activity point limit or any other limited feature (e.g., "beans"). The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S245.

[0085] At S245, the social network can boost the searcher's profile. For example, the social network can increase the likelihood that the searcher's profile will be visible to other users. In some implementations, the social network can increase the frequency with which the searcher's profile appears to other users. The social network can also prioritize the searcher's profile to other users. In this way, the social network can promote the searcher's updated profile. Such profile boosting may be similar to what some social networks do to highlight new users or may be a modification of that process to prioritize searchers over some other users. A reset may highlight the user's profile and erase previous decisions (with some exceptions) in the hopes of increasing the user's chances of receiving better recommendations and ultimately finding meaningful connections. Algorithm 200 then proceeds to S250.

[0086] At S250, the social networking site can generate recommendations of target profiles for the searcher, which recommendations can be based on the searcher's updated profile and the target profiles.

[0087] The social networking site may, among other things, recommend profiles of people the searcher previously skipped or who the searcher declined to like. In some implementations, the people may be users who declined to like the searcher. The algorithm 200 then proceeds to S255.

[0088] At S255, the algorithm 200 ends.

[0089] 2, the profile reset prompt is generated at S215 and S220, followed by a retry request at S225. In at least one implementation, the system can generate the profile reset prompt after the user changes a predetermined number of photos, prompt responses, and / or preferences. In at least one other implementation, the system can generate the profile reset prompt after the user changes a predetermined percentage of prompt responses and / or preferences within a predetermined period of time.

[0090] In some implementations, the reset request in S255 can additionally or alternatively be received based on a profile feed display and / or profile edit request on the social networking site.

[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow 300 in which a like from one user is rejected by another user on a social networking site.

[0092] Flow 300 begins at S310, where a first profile for a first user and a second profile for a second user are created on a social networking site. Flow 300 then proceeds to S320.

[0093] At S320, the social networking site forms recommendations for at least one of the first user or the second user based on the first profile and the second profile created at S310. The recommendations may, for example, visually display at least a portion of the second profile to the first user (e.g., a searcher). The social networking site may visually display the portion of the second profile in any context, including a "Discover" tab or a "Prominent" tab. The social networking site may send a push notification to the user to announce the recommendations. Additionally or alternatively, the push notification may include an audio or haptic notification. Flow 300 then proceeds to S330.

[0094] In S330, the social networking site transmits the like sent by the first user to the second user. Flow 300 then proceeds to S340.

[0095] At S340, the second user rejects the like sent by the first user or skips the first profile. In some implementations, the social network notifies the second user of the like, and the second user actively rejects the like. In other implementations, the second user can essentially reject the like without explicitly addressing the like, for example, by allowing a predetermined period of time (e.g., 24 hours) to pass. Additionally, the second user may skip the first profile after the social network displays the second profile to the first user but before the first user sends a like.

[0096] If the second user skips the first profile or declines to like it, the social networking site does not match the first user with the second user. Flow 300 then proceeds to S350 and S370.

[0097] At S350, the social networking site removes the second profile from the potential matches for the first user. This removal may be temporary until a predetermined condition occurs, such as the passage of a period of time or payment of a fee by the first user. Flow 300 then proceeds to S380.

[0098] At S370, the social networking site removes the first profile from potential matches for the second user. This removal may be temporary until a predetermined condition occurs, such as the passage of a period of time or payment of a fee by the second user. Flow 300 then proceeds to S380.

[0099] Flow 300 ends at S380.

[0100] The subject matter of Figure 3 is described in terms of a first user being a searcher and a second user being a target. In many implementations, the subject matter of Figure 3 is equally applicable in terms of a second user being a searcher and a first user being a target. In this manner, a social networking site can exclude a second profile from a first user's potential matches regardless of whether the first user rejects the second user's like or whether the second user rejects the first user's like.

[0101] 4 illustrates an algorithm 400 for a recommendation reset system after a like is rejected, according to one implementation of the present disclosure. This diagram illustrates an exemplary implementation in which a first user views or likes a recommended profile of a second user who has been recommended to them, and the first user skips the second user's profile. The first user then resets their profile. In this example, the social networking site provides the first user with an opportunity to revisit the second user's profile.

[0102] The algorithm 400 begins at S410, where the social networking site creates a first profile for a first user and a second profile for a second user, similar to S310. The flow 400 then proceeds to S420.

[0103] At S420, the social networking site forms recommendations for at least one of the first user or the second user based on the first and second profiles created at S410. The algorithm 400 then proceeds to S430.

[0104] In S430, the social networking site transmits the like sent by the first user to the second user. Alternatively, the social networking site transmits the like sent by the second user to the first user. The algorithm 400 then proceeds to S440.

[0105] At S440, if the like was sent by the first user, the second user skips the first profile or rejects the like, or if the like was sent by the second user, the first user skips the second profile or rejects the like. The algorithm 400 then proceeds to S450.

[0106] At S450, the first user requests a profile reset (e.g., a "start over"), and the social networking site performs the reset procedure. Once the profile is reset, the first user can revisit people who were previously skipped or rejected. Algorithm 400 then proceeds to S460.

[0107] At S460, the social network maintains a first portion of the first profile and deletes any actions by the first user. In some implementations, the social network deletes a second portion of the first profile. As previously described, the social network may also maintain any actions by the first user, such as reporting, removing, unmatching, etc. Algorithm 400 then proceeds to S465.

[0108] At S465, the social networking site receives an update from the first user to a third portion of the first profile. Again, the third portion may include the second portion. For example, the second portion may be the first user's past drinking habits and the third portion may be the first user's current drinking habits. Algorithm 400 then proceeds to S470.

[0109] In this manner, the social networking site may generate an updated profile based at least in part on maintaining the first portion, deleting the second portion, and updating the third portion.

[0110] At S470, the social networking site forms a recommendation of the second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile and the second profile. The social networking site may form such a recommendation notwithstanding that the like was rejected by the recipient at S440. Similarly, the social networking site may form a recommendation for the second user based on the updated profile and the second profile. Algorithm 400 then proceeds to S480.

[0111] At S480, the algorithm 400 ends.

[0112] FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm 500 for skipping profiles according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0113] The algorithm 500 starts at S505 and proceeds to S510.

[0114] At S510, the social networking site creates a first account for the first user. In the example of FIG. 5, the first user is a searcher. The social networking site creates a first profile for the first user within the first account. The social networking site may receive from the first user a photo of the first user to be included in the first profile. The social networking site may also receive from the first user information for the first profile, including social demographic information for the first user and relationship goals for the first user. Algorithm 500 then proceeds to S515.

[0115] At S515, the social networking site creates a second account for the second user. In the example of FIG. 5, the second user is the target person. The social networking site creates a second profile for the second user within the second account. The social networking site may receive from the second user a photo of the second user to be included in the second profile. The social networking site may also receive from the second user information for the second profile, including social demographic information for the second user and relationship goals for the second user. Algorithm 500 then proceeds to S520.

[0116] At S520, the social networking site forms a recommendation of the second user to the first user based at least in part on the first profile and the second profile. The recommendation may display at least a portion of the second profile to the first user. The algorithm 500 then proceeds to S525.

[0117] In S525, the social networking site receives an indication from the first user as to whether the first user wishes to be matched with the second user. If the first user wishes to be matched with the second user, the indication may be, for example, a like or a message. If the first user does not wish to be matched with the second user, the indication may be, for example, a skip.

[0118] If the indication indicates that the first user does not wish to be matched with the second user, the algorithm 500 proceeds to S530.

[0119] If the indication indicates that the first user wishes to be matched with the second user, the algorithm 500 proceeds to S545.

[0120] At S530, the social networking site skips the second user. The social networking site may, for example, display at least a portion of the third user's third profile to the first user. The algorithm 500 then proceeds to S535.

[0121] At S535, the social networking site may optionally receive a cancellation instruction from the first user. Some social networking sites owned by Match Group, such as Hinge® by Hinge, Inc., provide the first user with the opportunity to cancel the skip upon request within a predetermined period of time. Other social networking sites owned by Match Group, such as Tinder®, also provide premium users with the opportunity to cancel the skip.

[0122] If the cancellation indication indicates that the first user wishes to cancel the second user's skip, the algorithm 500 returns to S525.

[0123] If the override indication indicates that the first user does not want to override the second user's skip (or if S535 has not been performed), the algorithm 500 proceeds to S540.

[0124] At S540, the social networking site determines whether to perform a reset (eg, a "start over") of the first user's profile based at least in part on the reset instruction received from the first user.

[0125] If the social networking site decides to perform a reset of the first user's profile, the algorithm 500 proceeds to S550.

[0126] If the social networking site decides not to perform a profile reset, the algorithm 500 proceeds to S545.

[0127] At S550, the social networking site optionally determines to maintain a first portion of the first profile. The first portion of the first profile may be, for example, a photo of the first user or a portion of the first profile that is unlikely to change (e.g., gender or religion). In some implementations, this determination is based at least in part on input received from the first user.

[0128] Further, at S552, the social networking site may remove a second portion of the first profile, which may be, for example, relationship depth or the first user's drinking frequency. The algorithm 500 then proceeds to S555.

[0129] At S555, the social network deletes the first user's interactions. Specifically, the social network deletes the skip made at S530. In some implementations, this deletion occurs only for the matching algorithm. That is, the social network may keep a record of the skip even if the matching algorithm does not consider the skip. The social network may retain some of the first user's actions, such as existing matches and / or messages. Algorithm 500 then proceeds to S560.

[0130] At S560, the social networking site optionally determines to update a third portion of the first profile. The third portion may include at least a portion of the second portion. In this manner, the first user may newly demonstrate their drinking habits or relationship depth. The algorithm 500 then proceeds to S520, where recommendations are made based at least in part on the first profile as modified by the deletion of the second portion and / or the update of the third portion.

[0131] Returning to the match at S525, the algorithm can proceed to S545, where the matching system sends a like from the first user to the second user. The algorithm 500 then proceeds to S565.

[0132] At S565, the algorithm 500 ends.

[0133] The process of deleting and recreating an account is often time-consuming and tedious. This process, which may involve uploading multiple photos and answering prompts, can take several minutes and requires a lot of energy from the user. Because users invest so much effort in setting up their initial profile, they expect a big payoff. Resetting prevents users from having to go through this time-consuming process again to achieve their desired results.

[0134] In many implementations, specific interactions may be respected. That is, in such implementations, some interactions between the searcher and the target may be reset, but the social networking site does not reset these specific interactions. Specifically, to protect user safety, the social networking site may not reset a report, removal, or unmatch that a searcher previously made about a target, or a report, removal, or unmatch that the target previously made about the searcher. The social networking site may not reset interactions in which the searcher sent a positive rating (e.g., a like or a rose) but the target has not yet rated the searcher. The social networking site may not reset positive ratings (e.g., a like or a rose) that a searcher previously sent or received and interactions that the target accepted, because these constitute a maintained match in some implementations.

[0135] On the other hand, resetting or deleting those interactions may involve receiving a positive rating (e.g., a like or rose) from the target and then rejecting the positive rating, in which case both the searcher and the target may meet again after the profile reset.

[0136] In some implementations, all positive ratings (e.g., likes or roses) previously submitted by the searcher are deleted, including ratings to which the target has not yet responded. In some implementations, ratings to which the target has not yet responded are preserved.

[0137] In some implementations, resetting / deleting these interactions may remove the searcher's matches, including but not limited to, the second user, although as noted above, in other implementations, these matches may be maintained.

[0138] Resetting a profile may include resetting data regarding the effectiveness of the searcher's profile and providing recommendations on how to improve the searcher's profile before and / or during the reset. For example, some social networking sites may highlight the best photos of a searcher, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,715,532, assigned to Match Group, Inc., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The social networking site may recommend that the searcher consider making that photo their best photo. In this manner, implementations of the present disclosure may provide such recommendations during or after a profile reset.

[0139] Resetting a profile may include updating the social networking site's underlying machine learning based on the deleted actions, such as by resetting past outputs of machine learning algorithms. Resetting a profile may include prompting searchers to update their profiles once the reset process is initiated to take full advantage of their new experience.

[0140] On some social networking sites, targets who have already rejected a searcher are generally not displayed to the searcher. In this system, as described above, if the searcher resets, such targets may be displayed to the searcher. However, in such a situation, the system may not display the searcher to the target. This system can prepare for the case where, when a rejected target is displayed to a searcher, the target resets itself.

[0141] Resetting can help you take control of your social networking site and can also save you if you have a few accounts linked to unwanted users.

[0142] In some implementations, users continue to retain their profile, existing matches, and likes in a "Favorites" tab.

[0143] Use of Reset may be limited to a set period of time (e.g., once every 30 days) to limit degradation of the recommendation system. If the user resets again (e.g., after more than 30 days), the system may reset the user's profile and interactions from the last time the user used the feature, rather than from their original profile and interactions.

[0144] From the user's perspective, resetting may involve treating certain (especially all rejected) likes and ratings as if they had never been made, although from the system's perspective, resetting may still retain historical information for some purposes, such as training algorithms or monitoring performance.

[0145] In some implementations, the system can identify poor quality photos, so when a reset occurs, the system can recommend updating the photos. In various implementations of the reset feature, the system can recommend updating other parts of the user's profile, such as the user's prompts and preferences.

[0146] Some embodiments of the social networking site may prompt users to update their profile (photo, prompt, preferences) after resetting their profile, which reduces the risk of annoying the target audience by showing them the same person again and helps the person performing the reset present their new, best self.

[0147] In some implementations, a searcher may send a skip to a person who has been displayed to them or who has sent them a like, but then encounter that person again after their profile is reset. In these situations, the person generally will not encounter the searcher again unless they reset their profile.

[0148] 6 illustrates a computing device 600 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The computing device 600 is an example of a device through which a user (e.g., a first user, a second user, a searcher, or a target user, depending on the context) interacts with a social networking site. In many such implementations, the computing device 600 is implemented by a smartphone. The computing device 600 is also a device that at least partially implements the social networking site. In many such implementations, the computing device 600 is implemented by a server.

[0149] Computing device 600 may include a network interface 610 , a user input interface 620 , memory 630 , a program 660 , a processor 640 , a user output interface 650 , and a bus 670 .

[0150] Although the computing device 600 is depicted in a single housing, it may be distributed across multiple housings or subsystems that cooperate in executing program instructions. In some implementations, the computing device 600 may include one or more blade server devices, standalone server devices, personal computers (including desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers), routers, hubs, switches, bridges, firewall devices, intrusion detection devices, mainframe computers, network-attached storage devices, smartphones and other mobile phones, and other computing devices. In many implementations, the system runs Windows OS, macOS, Linux, or Android, and the system hardware may be configured according to a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) architecture or a non-uniform memory access (NUMA) architecture.

[0151] The network interface 610 provides one or more communications connections and / or one or more devices that enable communication between the computing device 600 and other computing systems (not shown) over a communications network, a collection of networks (not shown), or wirelessly, thus supporting the operation of resetting recommendations while partially maintaining profiles and matches as outlined herein. The network interface 610 can communicate using various networks (including both internal and external networks), such as near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth, Ethernet, cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G), white space, 802.11x, satellite, Bluetooth, LTE, GSM / HSPA, CDMA / EVDO, DSRC, CAN, GPS, facsimile, or any other wired or wireless interface. Other interfaces may include physical ports (e.g., Ethernet, USB, HDMI, etc.), interfaces for wired and wireless internal subsystems, etc. Similarly, the nodes of the system and user equipment (eg, mobile devices) may also include suitable interfaces for receiving, transmitting, and / or otherwise communicating data or information in a network environment.

[0152] The user input interface 620 can receive one or more inputs from a human being and can be or include a mouse, touchpad, keyboard, touchscreen, trackball, camera, microphone, joystick, game controller, scanner, or any other input device.

[0153] Memory 630, also referred to as "storage," may include or be one or more computer-readable storage media readable by processor 640 and storing software. Memory 630 may be implemented as a single storage device or across multiple co-located or distributed storage devices or subsystems. Memory 630 may include additional elements, such as a controller, that communicates with processor 640. Memory 630 may also include storage devices and / or subsystems in which data and / or instructions are stored. Computing device 600 can access one or more of the storage resources to access information and perform any of the processes illustrated in this disclosure, particularly FIGS. 2 and 4-5. In various implementations, memory 630 stores a program 660 for executing at least a portion of the algorithms illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5. Additionally, program 660, when executed by computing device 600 generally and / or processor 640 specifically, as described herein, may instruct the performance of, among other functions, operations to reset recommendations while partially preserving profiles and matches, as described herein.

[0154] The memory 630 may be or include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), field programmable gate array (FPGA), hard drive, cache memory, flash memory, removable disk, or tape reel. The memory 630 may be or include resistive RAM (RRAM) or magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM). Information tracked, transmitted, received, or stored in a communication system may be provided as any database, register, table, cache, queue, control list, or storage structure, depending on the particular implementation, all of which may be referenced in any suitable time frame.

[0155] Processor 640 (e.g., processing unit) may be or include one or more hardware processors and / or other circuitry that reads and executes software, particularly program 660, from memory 630. In some implementations, processor 640 is or includes a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0156] Processor 640 may have any register size, including 32-bit or 64-bit registers. Processor 640 may include multiple cores. Implementations of processor 640 are not limited to any particular number of threads. Processor 640 may be fabricated using any process technology, such as 14 nm process technology.

[0157] The processor 640 may be implemented within a single processing device, chip, or package, or may be distributed across multiple cooperating processing devices, chips, packages, or subsystems, which may, in some implementations, include the program 660, thereby implementing the program 660 as a module.

[0158] The user output interface 650 outputs information to a human user. The user output interface 650 can be or include a display (e.g., a screen), a touchscreen, a speaker, a printer, or a haptic feedback unit. In many implementations, the user output interface 650 can be combined with the user input interface 620. For example, some such implementations include a touchscreen, a headset including headphones and a microphone, or a joystick with haptic feedback.

[0159] In implementations including multiple computing devices, a system server, or a serverless implementation, peers may use one or more communication networks that facilitate communication between the computing devices to accomplish the operations for resetting recommendations while partially maintaining profiles and matches as outlined herein. The one or more communication networks may include or be, for example, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), and / or a wide area network (WAN) that facilitate communication between the computing devices. One or more direct communication links may be included between the computing devices. Additionally, in some cases, the computing devices may be located in geographically dispersed locations. In other cases, the multiple computing devices may be located in a single geographic location, such as a server farm or office.

[0160] The terms "storage medium" or "computer-readable storage medium" as used herein may refer to non-transitory storage media such as, but not limited to, hard drives, memory chips, ASICs, cache memories, as well as transitory storage media such as carrier waves or propagated signals.

[0161] Aspects of the system may be implemented in various ways, such as, for example, as a method, a system, a computer program product, or one or more computer-readable storage media. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a hardware implementation, a software implementation (including firmware, resident software, or microcode), or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as a "module" or "system." Functionality described in the present disclosure may be implemented as an algorithm executed by one or more hardware processing units, such as processor 640. In various embodiments, various operations of the described algorithms, or portions of those operations, may be performed by different processing units. In some implementations, these operations may be realized by interacting software on either the devices (e.g., smartphones) and / or the social networking site (e.g., a server) used by the first and second users. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied therein (e.g., encoded or stored thereon). In various implementations, such computer programs may, for example, be downloaded (or updated) into existing devices and systems or may be stored in these devices and systems at the time of manufacture.

[0162] Any suitable configuration may be applied to the physical implementation, including the design of the communication network in which the system is implemented. In one embodiment, hardware resources may be shared with memory 630 and processor 640 by bus 670. In this alternative implementation, computing device 600 may comprise separate hardware resources including one or more processor and memory elements.

[0163] In an exemplary implementation, various other components of computing device 600 may be located in different physical areas or may be located as a single entity.

[0164] The communication system may be configured to facilitate communication with machine devices (e.g., vehicle sensors, gauges, electronic control units (ECUs), embedded devices, actuators, displays, etc.) over bus 670. Other suitable communication interfaces may also be provided for Internet Protocol (IP) networks, User Datagram Protocol (UDP) networks, or any other suitable protocol or communication architecture that enables network communication with machine devices.

[0165] The technical improvements herein can be implemented in many different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims and / or some examples. In the drawings referred to herein, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, a particular implementation may include more elements than illustrated in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements shown in the drawings. Furthermore, some implementations may incorporate appropriate combinations of features from two or more drawings.

[0166] This disclosure describes various exemplary implementations and examples for implementing the features and functionality of the present disclosure. Components, arrangements, and / or features are described in connection with various implementations, which are merely examples to simplify the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Developing an actual implementation will involve implementation-specific judgments to achieve specific goals, including compliance with system, business, and / or legal constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Additionally, such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0167] The systems, methods, and devices of the present disclosure have several innovative aspects, none of which is solely responsible for the attributes disclosed herein. Some objectives or advantages may not be achieved by the implementations described herein. Thus, for example, a particular implementation may achieve or optimize an advantage or set of advantages taught herein, while operating in a manner that does not achieve or optimize other objectives or advantages taught or suggested herein.

[0168] In one exemplary implementation, the electrical circuits in the figures can be implemented on a board of an associated electronic device. This board can be a general circuit board that can hold various components of the electronic device's internal electronic system and can also provide connectors for other peripherals. More specifically, this board can provide electrical connections that allow other components of the system to communicate electrically. Optional processors (including digital signal processors, microprocessors, supporting chipsets, etc.) and computer-readable, non-transitory memory elements can be coupled to the board based on configuration, processing requirements, and computer design. Other components, such as external storage devices, additional sensors, audio / visual display controllers, and peripheral devices, can be attached to the board as plug-in cards or via cables, or can be integrated into the board itself. In various implementations, the functionality described herein can be implemented in an emulated form as software or firmware operating within one or more configurable (e.g., programmable) elements located within a structure that supports these functions. A computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium can contain instructions that enable one or more processors to perform the emulation.

[0169] In other exemplary implementations, the electrical circuits depicted in the figures may be implemented as stand-alone modules (e.g., devices with associated components and circuits configured to perform a particular application or function) or as plug-in modules in application-specific hardware of an electronic device. Implementations of the present disclosure may be readily incorporated into system-on-chip (SOC) packages. SOC refers to an integrated circuit (IC) that integrates components of a computer or other electronic system onto a single chip. SOCs can include digital, analog, and mixed-signal functions on a single chip substrate, and often also include radio frequency functions. Other implementations may include multi-chip modules (MCMs) in which multiple separate ICs reside within and communicate through a single electronic package. In various other implementations, the processor may be implemented in one or more silicon cores within an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL), general-purpose array logic (GAL), or other semiconductor chip.

[0170] The specifications, dimensions, and relationships (e.g., number of processors and logical operations) outlined herein are for illustrative and instructional purposes. Various modifications and changes, for example, in the arrangement of components, may be made. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0171] Many of the examples described herein are described in terms of interactions with two, three, or more electrical components for clarity and illustration. Systems may be integrated in any manner. Along similar design alternatives, the illustrated components, modules, and elements may be combined in a variety of possible configurations within the scope of this disclosure. In some cases, clarity of explanation may be enhanced by referencing a limited number of electrical elements for one or more of the functions of a given set of flows. The electrical circuits shown are easily scalable and can accommodate more complex / advanced arrangements and configurations as well as larger numbers of components. Therefore, the described examples do not limit the scope or preclude the teaching of electrical circuits that may be applicable to countless other architectures.

[0172] In this disclosure, references to various features (e.g., elements, structures, modules, components, steps, operations, characteristics, etc.) in "one implementation," "exemplary implementation," "implementation," "another implementation," "some implementations," "several implementations," "various implementations," "other implementations," "alternative implementations," etc., are intended to mean that any such features may be included in one or more implementations of the disclosure and may not necessarily be combined in the same implementation. Some operations may be deleted, omitted, or partially or substantially modified, as appropriate. Additionally, the timing of these operations may be significantly altered. The foregoing operational flows are provided for purposes of illustration and description. The implementations described herein are versatile in that any suitable arrangement, timeline, configuration, and timing mechanism may be implemented. [Example]

[0173] In example M1, a method includes forming a first recommendation of a second user for a first user of an online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and forming a second recommendation of a second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0174] Example M2 is the method of example M1, in which the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0175] Example M3 is the method of example M1 or M2, further including conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0176] Example M4 is the method of any of examples M1 to M3, further including conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0177] Example M5 is the method of any of examples M1-M4, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0178] Example M6 is the method of any of examples M1-M5, further including updating the first profile with the third portion, wherein the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0179] Example M7 is the method of any of examples M1-M6, further including promoting the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0180] In example C1, a computer-readable non-transitory medium is encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by a processing unit, perform operations including: forming a first recommendation of a second user for a first user of an online social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the online social networking site, conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account, receiving a request to reset the first profile, generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile, and forming a second recommendation of the second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0181] Example C2 is the medium of example C1, in which the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0182] Example C3 is the medium of example C1 or C2, wherein the actions further include conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0183] Example C4 is the media of any of examples C1 to C3, wherein the actions further include conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0184] Example C5 is the medium of any of examples C1-C4, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0185] Example C6 is the medium of any of examples C1-C5, wherein the operations further include updating the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendations are based at least in part on the third portion.

[0186] Example C7 is the medium of any of examples C1-C6, wherein the actions further include promoting the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0187] In embodiment A1, an apparatus includes: a processor configured to generate a first recommendation of a second user of an online social networking site for a first user of the online social networking site based on a first profile of a first account of the first user of the online social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user of the online social networking site, and to conduct a first interaction between the first account and the second account; and a network interface configured to receive a request to reset the first profile. The processor is further configured to generate an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile, and to generate a second recommendation of the second user of the online social networking site for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0188] Example A2 is the device of example A1, in which the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0189] Example A3 is the device of example A1 or A2, wherein the processor is further configured to conduct a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0190] Example A4 is the device of any of examples A1 to A3, wherein the processor is further configured to conduct a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0191] Example A5 is the device of any of examples A1-A4, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0192] Example A6 is the device of any of examples A1-A5, wherein the processor is further configured to update the first profile with the third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

[0193] Example A7 is the device of any of examples A1-A6, in which the processor is further configured to market the updated profile on a social networking site.

[0194] In embodiment F1, the apparatus includes means for forming a first recommendation of a second user of the social networking site for a first user of the social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the social networking site; means for conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; means for receiving a request to reset the first profile; means for generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; and means for forming a second recommendation of a second user of the second user for the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

[0195] Example F2 is the device of example F1, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

[0196] Example F3 is the device of example F1 or F2, further comprising means for conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

[0197] Example F4 is the device of any of examples F1 to F3, further comprising means for conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

[0198] Example F5 is the device of any of examples F1-F4, wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

[0199] Example F6 is the device of any of examples F1-F5, further comprising means for updating the first profile with the third portion, the second recommendation being based at least in part on the third portion.

[0200] Example F7 is the apparatus of any of examples F1-F6, further comprising means for promoting the updated profile on a social networking site.

Claims

1. forming a first recommendation of a second user to the first user of the social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; forming second recommendations of the second user to the first user based at least in part on the updated profile; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

3. conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction is defined by the second user rejecting the like.

4. conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first interaction is defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction is defined by the first user rejecting the like.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

6. updating the first profile with a third portion; The method of claim 1 , wherein the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising marketing the updated profile on the social networking site.

8. A computer-readable non-transitory medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by a processing unit, perform operations, the operations including: forming a first recommendation of a second user to the first user of the social networking site based at least in part on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the social networking site and a second profile of a second account of the second user on the social networking site; conducting a first interaction between the first account and the second account; receiving a request to reset the first profile; generating an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile; forming second recommendations of the second user to the first user based at least in part on the updated profile; Including, media.

9. The medium of claim 8 , wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

10. the operations further include conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account; 9. The medium of claim 8, wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction is defined by the second user rejecting the like.

11. the operations further include conducting a second interaction between the first account and the second account; 9. The medium of claim 8, wherein the first interaction is defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction is defined by the first user rejecting the like.

12. The medium of claim 8 , wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

13. The operations further include updating the first profile with a third portion; The media of claim 8 , wherein the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

14. The medium of claim 8 , wherein the action further comprises marketing the updated profile on the social networking site.

15. a processor configured to form a first recommendation of a second user of the social networking site to a first user of the social networking site based on a first profile of a first account of the first user on the social networking site and a second profile of a second account of a second user on the social networking site, and to conduct a first interaction between the first account and the second account; a network interface for receiving a request to reset the first profile; An apparatus comprising: the processor is further configured to generate an updated profile by maintaining a first portion of the first profile and resetting a second portion of the first profile, and to form second recommendations of the second user to the first user based at least in part on the updated profile.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first interaction is defined by the first user skipping the second profile.

17. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to conduct a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the first user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the second profile, and the second interaction being defined by the second user rejecting the like.

18. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to conduct a second interaction between the first account and the second account, the first interaction being defined by the second user sending a like regarding at least a portion of the first profile, and the second interaction being defined by the first user rejecting the like.

19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first portion includes at least one photograph of the first user.

20. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to update the first profile with a third portion, and the second recommendation is based at least in part on the third portion.

Images