Multi-level Following Mechanic for Social Network Entities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social networks lack effective mechanisms to manage interactions between users and non-person entities, such as commercial entities, which limits the control users have over the flow of messages and data access, leading to potential misuse and unwanted communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-level following mechanic that distinguishes between 'hard' and 'soft' following metrics, where 'hard' following allows entities to post data directly to user accounts after explicit user action, and 'soft' following controls limited access based on user endorsements, enabling dynamic adjustment of data access levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If entities are allowed to post data freely to user accounts, then communication efficiency between entities and users is improved, but user control and security over their accounts deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the following relationship into two distinct levels: hard following and soft following. Hard following provides full posting access for trusted entities, while soft following provides limited access for entities with endorsements. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support efficient communication for verified entities while maintaining security controls for all entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of access control from a binary state (allow/deny) to a multi-level state based on endorsement metrics. Entities can transition from soft following to hard following by accumulating endorsements, dynamically adjusting their access parameters. This allows communication efficiency to increase as entities build trust through endorsements.
2Reliability
If strict access control is implemented to protect user accounts, then user security is improved, but communication flexibility and marketing capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where entity permissions are not fixed but evolve over time based on endorsement accumulation. Entities start with limited soft following access and can dynamically upgrade to hard following access as they gain endorsements. This dynamic approach maintains security while providing communication flexibility that adapts to the entity's trust level.
Solution Approach 2:
The endorsement metric serves as an intermediary mechanism between strict access control and open communication. Rather than directly granting or denying access, the system uses endorsements as a mediating factor that gradually increases entity permissions. This intermediary approach balances security requirements with communication needs.
3Reliability
If multi-level following metrics are implemented, then user control over entity interactions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the endorsement metric universal, serving multiple functions simultaneously: it measures entity trustworthiness, determines access level (soft vs. hard following), and provides a basis for dynamic permission adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each control aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic endorsement processing and level transitions. When users endorse entities, the system automatically updates the entity's soft following metric and adjusts permissions without manual intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity despite the multi-level structure.
4Reliability
If entities must gain endorsements before posting, then trust and reliability are improved, but time to establish communication channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing entities to immediately post at the soft following level while accumulating endorsements. Rather than requiring full trust verification before any communication, the system enables limited preliminary communication that can escalate to full access as endorsements are gathered. This reduces initial setup time while maintaining trust safeguards.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing interaction between users in a social network. One method includes receiving one or more first user interactions made by a user account in a social network system with content presented in a user interface on a display device. The content is associated with a first entity account in the social network system. The first user interactions include one or more endorsements of the content or the first entity account. The method further includes calculating, by at least one processor, a level of endorsement of the first entity account by the user account based on the endorsements. The method further includes providing a limited level of access to the first entity account to add one or more posts to a stream of the user account in a stream user interface of the social network system based on the level of endorsement.