Sponsor-Mediated User Introduction System for Instant Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of instant messaging services find it difficult to discover and connect with other users outside their contact lists, limiting the creation of relationships within online communities.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that suggests introductions between users based on shared contacts, using a scoring system to identify potential sponsors who can facilitate connections between users not in each other's contact lists, and sends suggestions for introductions that are accepted by both parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users rely only on their contact lists for communication, then privacy is maintained, but the ability to discover and connect with new users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a sponsor as an intermediary who mediates between the user and potential new contacts. The sponsor reviews and approves introductions, acting as a trusted intermediary that enables user discovery while maintaining privacy controls. This resolves the contradiction by allowing users to expand their network through sponsor-mediated introductions without directly exposing their contact lists to strangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-screening and pre-approving introductions through the sponsor before the actual connection is made. The sponsor evaluates potential introductions in advance, ensuring that only appropriate connections are facilitated. This allows users to safely discover new contacts without the risks associated with direct, unsolicited contact requests.
2Productivity
If the system suggests introductions based on shared contacts, then user relationship creation is facilitated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically analyzing contact lists and generating introduction suggestions based on shared contacts. The algorithm autonomously identifies potential introductions, calculates compatibility scores, and presents curated suggestions to the sponsor without requiring manual intervention. This automates the complex analysis work while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual, mechanical processes of user introduction with an automated computational system. Instead of users manually searching for and contacting potential connections, the system uses algorithms to analyze contact data, identify shared contacts, and generate intelligent introduction suggestions. This substitutes complex manual coordination with streamlined automated processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users directly contact others outside their contact list, then new connections can be made, but spam and unwanted contacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by blocking direct unsolicited contact attempts before they can become spam or unwanted contacts. All introduction requests must pass through the sponsor's approval, which acts as a preventive filter. This pre-emptive control mechanism eliminates harmful contacts before they reach the user, while still allowing legitimate connections through the approved introduction channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponsor serves as a protective intermediary that filters and approves all introduction requests. This intermediary layer prevents spam and unwanted contacts by requiring sponsor validation before any connection is established. Users can expand their network through approved introductions without being exposed to the harmful effects of direct, unfiltered contact requests from strangers.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of introducing users of a service includes sending a suggestion to a first user of a service and suggesting an introduction of a second user to a third user of the service. The second and third users are both identified as contacts of the first user in a contact list of the first user and the second and third users satisfy predefined selection criteria with respect to shared contacts, comprising users identified in contact lists of both the second and third users. The method also includes receiving, from the first user, a response to the suggestion; and upon receiving a positive response to the suggestion from the first user, sending the introduction to at least one of the second and third users.