Social networking on a wireless communication system

Wireless communication systems and methods are described that provide location-based social networks to mobile communication devices. Mobile users of the wireless communication system define social networking profiles storing characteristics of the user. The wireless communication system determines a location of a user's mobile communication device and identifies a set of other mobile users that are geographically proximate to the user. The wireless communication system then filters the set of other mobile users based on characteristics of the social networking profiles of the other mobile users, and transmits identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users to the user's mobile communication device. The mobile communication device then displays the identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users to the user allowing the user to initiate contact with any of the other mobile users that are of interest.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to a co-pending patent application having the Ser. No. 10/953,740, filed on Sep. 29, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent application is also related to a co-pending patent application having the Ser. No. 11/317,144, filed on Dec. 23, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent application is also related to a co-pending patent application having the Ser. No. 11/617,148, filed on Dec. 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to the field of communications, and in particular, to providing location-based social networks in a wireless communication system.

2. Statement of the Problem

Cellular phones, PCS phones, and other mobile wireless data devices have become very popular due to the conveniences that they provide to people. Wireless devices have become compact in size, which make them easy and convenient to carry. People routinely carry their cell phones or wireless PDAs with them on their belt, in their pocket, in their purse, etc, so they are available for use at any time.

Because of the large demand for wireless voice and data services, service providers strive to offer new services to present and potential customers. Some exemplary services are text messaging, digital pictures, web browsing, etc. A new trend for service providers is to provide location-based services. The location-based services provide information to a mobile user based on the location of the mobile user. For instance, the location-based services may send informational text messages to the user's phone, such as information on the weather, information on traffic reports, advertisements, etc, based on the location of the user. Another location-based service allows a user to identify and/or communicate with other individuals, groups and businesses in his/her vicinity or another geographic area.

While location-based services allow users to identify other individuals in their proximity, these location-based services lack the capacity to allow users to search for and identify other individuals having certain specified characteristics. Instead, these location-based services typically provide a user with a list of all individuals in the immediate vicinity of the user. The user may want to further narrow the list to view people matching specified search criteria of the user. For example, a single male may want to identify single females in the area within a specified age bracket. The male user may want to further narrow the search to identify single females having certain specified characteristics (e.g., similar hobbies). Likewise, a single female may only want her identity to be provided to a male matching her specified search criteria. Thus, it is a problem that present wireless communication systems don't provide social networking services which allow users to identify other individuals in their vicinity matching specified criteria of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE SOLUTION

The invention solves the above problems and other problems with methods and systems for providing social networking on a wireless communication system. Mobile users of the wireless communication system define individual social networking profiles. The social networking profile may store certain characteristics regarding the user, such as their gender, age, physical characteristics, interests, etc. The social networking profile may optionally store search criteria of the user which defines types of individuals that may contact the user or types of individuals that the user is looking to find. Based on the location of the mobile communication device of a searching user, a set of other mobile users of the social network is identified that are geographically proximate to the searching user. The other mobile users that are identified are filtered based on characteristics of the social networking profiles of each of the other mobile users to form a social network in the geographic proximity of the searching user, and identifiers or information on the filtered mobile users is transmitted to the mobile communication device of the searching user. The mobile communication device may then display the information on the other mobile users, allowing the searching user to initiate contact with one or more of the other mobile users that are of interest to the searching user.

One exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a content system for providing location-based social networks for mobile communication devices. The content system comprises a profile storage system adapted to store social networking profiles for mobile users of a wireless communication system. The content system further comprises a processing system adapted to identify a location of a mobile communication device of a first mobile user, identify a set of second mobile users in a geographic area proximate to the first mobile user based on the location of the mobile communication device, and filter the set of second mobile users based on characteristics of the social networking profiles of the second mobile users to define a social network. The social network is defined around the geographic area of the first mobile user. The content system further comprises a transmission system adapted to transmit identifiers of the filtered set of second mobile users to the mobile communication device of the first mobile user. The first mobile user may then view the second mobiles users in his/her vicinity and that match certain characteristics desired by the first mobile user.

The invention may include other exemplary embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a wireless communication system100for providing location-based services in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. More particularly, wireless communication system100is adapted to provide location-based social networking services to mobile users110-113of wireless communication system100. Wireless communication system100comprises any wireless communication system for providing voice and/or data communications in a mobile or nomadic fashion, such as a cellular network, a PCS network, etc.

As used herein, a social network refers to a community of mobile users110-113who share characteristics, interests or activities, or who are interested in finding other individuals who have specific characteristics, interests or activities. The objective of a social network is to allow a mobile user to learn about other mobile users of the social network with an objective of identifying characteristics of interest. A social network may provide various techniques for users to interact, including chat, messaging, e-mail, video, voice communication, file sharing, blogging or discussion groups or other types of message forums. Thus, users may indicate an interest in another user with the objective of establishing a mutual social interaction while able to maintain a comfortable level of privacy. Further, a user may advertise their own characteristics of interest so that they are visible to other users who enter the proximity of the user's location.

To facilitate the interaction among mobile users110-113, each mobile user110-113defines a social networking profile. The social networking profile includes information describing the user for the purpose of joining a social network through a mobile communication device. Such information may include physical characteristics (gender, height, weight, eye color, hair color, etc) of the user, a biography or description of the user, interests, activities or hobbies of the user, etc. Photos and/or videos of the user may also be included in the social networking profile. In some embodiments, the social networking profile of a particular mobile user may include search criteria regarding other types of users that this particular mobile user would like to locate and/or meet, and/or types of users that are permitted to contact this particular mobile user. The social networking profile may further provide means of contacting the user, including text messaging, email, instant messaging, phone, etc.

Wireless communication system100includes a content system101adapted to provide content to mobile users110-113. Content system101includes a profile storage system102, a processing system104, and a transmission system106. Profile storage system102comprises any system, server, or function adapted to store a social networking profile for mobile users110-113. Each mobile user110-113may be identified by some type of identifier, such as a username, telephone number, user identification number, a digital picture, etc.

Processing system104refers to a single processing device or a group of inter-operational processing devices. The operation of processing system104may be controlled by instructions executable by processing system104. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware. Processing system104may be any type of processing system adapted to generate or provide content responsive to requests from mobile users110-113. These requests may include requests by a mobile user110-113to search for other mobile users110-113, view profiles of other mobile users110-113, edit the social networking profile of a mobile user110-113, etc. In some embodiments, processing system104may be adapted to provide communication services, such as email, instant messaging, etc, between mobile users110-113.

Transmission system106comprises any system, server, or function adapted to transmit content to mobile communication devices120-123of mobile users110-113responsive to requests from mobile users110-113. Transmission system106may also be adapted to receive information from users, such as connection requests, dynamic location information, location updates, etc. Transmission system106may include one or more base stations (not shown), a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) (not shown), and/or one or more other network nodes (not shown). Transmission system106is configured to provide wireless service to a plurality of communication devices120-123. Transmission system106may communicate with communication devices120-123using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 802.11 WiFi, BlueTooth (Registered), satellite, packet radio, or any other wireless protocol. Wireless communication system100may include other elements, devices or components not illustrated for sake of brevity.

Assume for this embodiment that mobile user110subscribes to a location-based social network service and wants to view other users of interest in his/her geographic vicinity. As an example, mobile user110may be located in a night club and wants to view other users that are in the night club that share similar interests or fit a particular profile.FIG. 2illustrates how wireless communication system100allows mobile user110to view other users of interest.

FIG. 2is a flow chart illustrating a method200of providing location-based social networks for mobile communication devices in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The steps of method200will be described with reference to wireless communication system100inFIG. 1. The steps of the flow chart inFIG. 2are not all-inclusive and may include other steps not shown.

In step202of method200, processing system104of content system101identifies a location of mobile communication device120of mobile user110. The location of mobile communication device120may be identified based on geographic information provided by mobile communication device120, or by components of transmission system106. For example, processing system104may identify the location of mobile communication device120as 1stand Main St. based on relative or absolute GPS/geographical coordinates provided by mobile communication device120.

In step204, processing system104identifies a set of other mobile users in a geographic area proximate to mobile user110based on the location of mobile communication device120. A set of other mobile users may be zero, one, or more other mobile users identified to be in a geographic area proximate to mobile user110. Assume for this embodiment that the set of other mobile users includes mobile users111-113that are geographically proximate to mobile user110.

The proximity size of the search may be based on factors defined by processing system104or mobile user110. Processing system104will then search for other users within the defined proximity of mobile user110. The proximity size of the search may be pre-defined by processing system104for each search. For example, processing system104may identify users within a one block radius of mobile user110. Alternatively, mobile user110may define the proximity size of the search in a request to processing system104. For example, mobile user110may request to identify other mobile users within a one block radius of their present geographic location, within a one mile radius of their present location, within the same establishment, etc.

The proximity of the search may also vary based on the geographic location of mobile user110. For example, in a densely populated area, the geographic size of the search may be relatively small (e.g., one block), but in a less densely populated area, the geographic size of the search may be relatively larger (e.g., 5 miles). The geographic area of the search may also be based on the number of users identified by the search. Processing system104may be adapted to identify a maximum number of other mobile users (e.g., 20 users) to identify. For example, processing system104may be adapted to identify the20closest mobile users. During one search, these mobile users may all be located within a one quarter mile of mobile user110, and during another search at a different time, these mobile users may all be located within one half mile of mobile user110. It will be appreciated that other factors, such as time of day, may also be utilized to define the geographic size of the search performed for mobile user110.

In step206, processing system104filters the set of other mobile users111-113identified in the previous step based on characteristics of the social networking profiles of the other mobile users111-113. As previously stated, each mobile user111-113has defined a social networking profile that includes personal characteristics describing the mobile user. After processing system104identifies the other mobile users111-113that are located proximate to mobile user110, processing system104additionally filters the other mobile users111-113based on their social networking profile and the social networking profile of mobile user110to define a social network. Processing system104thus attempts to identify other mobile users111-113that match some type of interests of mobile user110. Mobile user110and the other mobile user111-113form a social network relating to the present geographic location of mobile user110. The social network may be pre-defined with mobile user110and the other mobile users111-113having previously joined the social network in some manner. Step206thus identifies those members of the social network that are geographically proximate to mobile user110. Alternatively, the social network may be created ad-hoc at the location of mobile user110.

As an example of filtering the set of other mobile users111-113based on the social networking profiles, mobile user110may desire to identify single mobile users of the opposite gender and initiate social interaction with these mobile users. Assume that mobile user110is a single male seeking a single female. If mobile user111is a single female, mobile user112is a single male, and mobile user113is a single female, then processing system104may filter the set of other mobile users111-113to include mobile users111and113, and exclude mobile user112.

In step208, transmission system106transmits identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users (e.g., transmits information on mobile users111and113) to mobile communication device120of mobile user110. Mobile communication device120is then able to display or otherwise present the identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users to mobile user110. The identifiers may comprise usernames, telephone numbers, user identification numbers, digital pictures, etc.

FIG. 3illustrates a screen shot300of mobile communication device120(seeFIG. 1) displaying the filtered set of other mobile users in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that mobile communication device120may be adapted to display the “search results” and social network data in any number of ways. For example, a simple presentation of a list with a thumbnail picture and brief profile information of each identified user may be presented on mobile communication device120. Mobile user110may then click on a link in the list to view more information (e.g., the entire social networking profile) regarding a specific user of the social network. Alternatively, each identified user may be placed on a relative grid or map where a thumbnail picture and brief profile pop up when the user icon is touched by a cursor, pointer, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, transmission system106(seeFIG. 1) may be further adapted to retrieve the social networking profile of one or more of the other mobile users111-113being displayed from profile storage system102, and provide the profile to mobile communication device120for presentation to mobile user110.

FIG. 4illustrates a screen shot400of mobile communication device120(seeFIG. 1) displaying a social networking profile of mobile user111in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, mobile user110(seeFIG. 1) may initiate various types of communication with mobile user111, including voice communication, text messaging, instant messaging and email.

It may be desirable for mobile user110to have the ability to define search criteria identifying types of users that they desire to locate. The search criteria may comprise characteristics of the social networking profile of mobile user110.FIG. 5is a flow chart illustrating a method500of locating mobile users of a wireless communication system based on defined search criteria in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The steps of method500will be described with reference to wireless communication system100inFIG. 1. The steps of the flow chart inFIG. 5are not all-inclusive and may include other steps not shown.

In step502, processing system104identifies a location of a mobile communication device120of a mobile user110. The identification of the location of mobile communication device120may be performed as described in step202ofFIG. 2. Step504comprises identifying a set of other mobile users in a geographic area proximate to mobile user110based on the location of mobile communication device120. The identification of the set of other mobile users may be performed as described in step204ofFIG. 2. For example, assume that processing system104identifies a set of other mobile users601-610(seeFIG. 6) in the geographic area proximate to mobile user110.

In step506, processing system104identifies social networking profiles of the other mobile users601-610(seeFIG. 6). Processing system104retrieves the social networking profile of the other mobile users601-610from profile storage system102. In step508, processing system104retrieves search criteria of mobile user110from a social networking profile of mobile user110. Processing system104retrieves the social networking profile of mobile user110from profile storage system102. The search criteria of mobile user110may comprise characteristics desired by mobile user110. Mobile user110may modify these characteristics based on types of users that mobile user110desires to locate.

In step510, processing system104filters the set of other mobile users601-610based on the search criteria to find social networking profiles of the other mobile users601-610that have characteristics matching the search criteria of mobile user110. For example, assume that mobile user110is a single female seeking a single male between the ages of 30-40.FIG. 6illustrates a list of other mobile users601-610identified in step504in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The list inFIG. 6includes the gender, relationship status (e.g., single vs. married) and age of each of the other mobile users601-610. According to this list, mobile user604and mobile user607match the search criteria of mobile user110(i.e., mobile user604and mobile user607are single males between the ages of 30 and 40). Thus, mobile user604and mobile user607will be included in the filtered set of other mobile users identified by processing system104.

In step512, transmission system106transmits identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users604and607to mobile communication device120for presentation to mobile user110. The transmission process may be performed as described in step208ofFIG. 2.FIG. 7illustrates a screen shot700of mobile communication device120(seeFIG. 1) displaying the filtered set of other mobile users604and607in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Mobile user110may then initiate communication with either or both of mobile users604and607or view the social networking profiles of mobile users604and607using the provided links associated with each mobile user.

The filtering process of step510may also be performed based on search criteria of mobile users601-610to ensure that mobile user110is a match for each of mobile users601-610identified by the filtering process of step510. In other words, mobile user110does not see a profile of another mobile user601-610unless characteristics of the social networking profile of mobile user110match the search criteria of a mobile user601-610.

FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating a method800of locating mobile users of a wireless communication system based on defined search criteria in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The steps of method800will be described with reference to wireless communication system100inFIG. 1. The steps of the flow chart inFIG. 8are not all-inclusive and may include other steps not shown.

In step802, processing system104identifies a set of other mobile users in the geographic area proximate to mobile user110. Processing system104also filters the set of other mobile users based on search criteria of mobile user110to identify social networking profiles of the other mobile users that include characteristics matching the search criteria. For example, assume that mobile user110is a single female seeking a single male between the ages of 30 and 40.FIG. 9illustrates a filtered set of other mobile users901-910matching the search criteria of mobile user110(e.g., mobile user901-910is a single male between the ages of 30 and 40).

In step804, processing system104retrieves additional search criteria from the social networking profile of each of the other mobile users901-910.FIG. 9illustrates the search criteria of each mobile user901-910indicating the age of a female that each mobile user is seeking. While the search criteria are illustrated as ages for mobile users901-910, it will be appreciated that any type of characteristic, including physical characteristics, interests, etc., may be utilized. Further, it will be appreciated that mobile users901-910may each define different types of search criteria than defined by mobile user110. For example, mobile user110may define an age search criteria, while mobile user903may define a height or weight search criteria. Further, mobile user909may define an interest search criteria (e.g., football).

In step806, processing system104retrieves the characteristics of mobile user110from the social networking profile of mobile user110. In the described example, the characteristic of mobile user110retrieved from profile storage system102is the age (e.g., 29) of mobile user110.

In step808, processing system104filters the set of other mobile users901-910based on whether the characteristics of mobile user110match the search criteria of each of the other mobile users901-910. Referring toFIG. 9, all of mobile users901-910match the search criteria of mobile user110(e.g., mobile users901-910are males between the ages of 30 and 40). However, mobile user110only matches the search criteria of mobile users902,904,905,907and908(i.e., mobile user110is only within the age limits defined by these mobile users). Thus, processing system104generates a filtered set of other mobile users comprising mobile users902,904,905,907and908. Identifiers for this filtered set of other mobile users are then transmitted by transmission system106to mobile communication device120for presentation to mobile user110in step810. Because mobile user110does not match the search criteria of mobile users901,903,906,909and910, the social networking profiles of these users will not be presented to mobile user110. Advantageously, processing system104identifies and presents a set of mobile users902,904,905,907and908to mobile user110which are the most likely matching social networking profiles for mobile user110based on search criteria of both mobile users.

It will be appreciated that filtering may also be performed based on other information, such as “buddy lists”, “buddy invitations”, “crush lists”, “avoid lists” or “stalker lists”, etc. Thus, a mobile user may define these lists so that they are alerted when one of the mobile users on these lists enters their geographic location. Referring back toFIG. 9, mobile user110may add any of mobile users902,904,905,907and908to one of these lists. If mobile user110was unable to immediately initiate communication with mobile users902,904,905,907and908at the present time, then mobile user110may be alerted in the future when one of mobile users902,904,905,907and908again enters a geographic location proximate to mobile user110.

Wireless communication system100may also be adapted to provide private networking services to the members of the social network. Private networking allows a user to define a private channel of the social network that is isolated from the general communications of the social network. It can be configured so that all participants in the private network are visible regardless of their location, or it may be configured so that only participants in proximity of each other can see one another. All participants may have the same communication facilities available to other types of users.

Private networking is built on the capabilities used to implement general location-based service communications. Users of a private network may be given authorization to participate in a particular private channel based on defined criteria. These participants in the private network may be given a unique key (e.g., scrambling code, login and password) to make their communications visible only to participants of the private network. If it is desired for all participants to be visible to each other regardless of location, then all participant identities and location information may be broadcast to all sectors in which the participants of the private channel have a presence.

FIG. 10is a flow chart illustrating a method1000of providing private networking for a social network of a wireless communication system in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The steps of method1000will be described with reference to wireless communication system100inFIG. 1. The steps of the flow chart inFIG. 10are not all-inclusive and may include other steps not shown.

In step1002, processing system104defines a private channel for the social network. As used herein, a private channel is a group of the social network requiring authorization for mobile users to participate in the private channel. The private channel may be defined by an administrator of the social network, or by one of the mobile users110-113of the social network.

In step1004, processing system104determines whether a mobile user (e.g., mobile user110) is a member of the private channel. The determination may be made based on information or characteristics of the social networking profile of mobile user110. For example, the members of the private channel may comprise employees of a company, and membership in the private channel may be based on whether mobile user110has a corporate email address.

In step1006, processing system104identifies a set of other mobile users in geographic proximity to mobile user110responsive to determining that mobile user110is a member of the private channel. Processing system104also filters the set of other mobile users based on whether each of the other mobile users is a member of the private channel. In step1008, transmission system106transmits identifiers of the filtered set of other mobile users to mobile communication device120for presentation to mobile user110.

Alternatively, if processing system104determines that mobile user110is not a member of the private channel in step1004, then transmission system106transmits an empty set of users or an error message to mobile communication device120for presentation to mobile user110in step1010.

For example, assume that mobile user110is a member of a private channel for ABC Company.FIG. 11illustrates an exemplary set of mobile users1101-1110in geographic proximity to mobile user110in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.FIG. 11further illustrates which mobile users1101-1110are members of the private channel for ABC Company. Referring toFIG. 11, processing system104identifies mobile users1101,1103,1104,1108and1110as members of the private channel, and provides this information to mobile communication device120. Mobile communication device120may display a map or grid to mobile user110identifying the present geographic locations of mobile users1101,1103,1104,1108and1110. Mobile user110may then utilize mobile communication device120to initiate communication with any of mobile users1101,1103,1104,1108and1110.

In another embodiment of the invention, mobile user110may define a private channel in real time for a specific task or a specific duration. Mobile user110may define which users are members of the private channel and thus members of the social network. The filtering processes of step206ofFIG. 2, step510ofFIG. 5, or step1006ofFIG. 10may then be performed based on whether a mobile user is a member of the private channel. After the task is completed, or the duration of the private channel expires, then the private channel is dismantled.

Private channels allow a mobile user to monitor and direct the activities of a group of individuals participating in a coordinate activity or mission. For example, the users may be participating in an emergency or rescue activities. The private channel allows wireless communication system100(seeFIG. 1) to provide services associated with a coordinated activity or mission, such as unicast and broadcast audio, data and video communication, dynamic location updates on participants, archiving of communications for later retrieval and analysis, etc. These dynamically created private channels may be implemented through a hierarchy or may be implemented using decision devolution allowing the collective members to make decisions rather than a ruling entity. Thus, all participants may be allowed to communicate with each other regardless of their location.

Messages for a private channel may be anchored to a specific location, such that a member of the private channel receives a communication responsive to entering the proximity of an anchored location. Messages may also be limited to a predetermined schedule and location, such that different locations receive different messages at different times. In the case where private channel communications may be time sensitive (e.g., during emergency situations), transmission system106(seeFIG. 1) may be adapted to give the private channel communications priority.

As discussed above, messages may be defined for a location of interest of the social network at a physical location.FIG. 12is a flow chart illustrating a method1200of providing location-based services at a location of interest in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The steps of method1200will be described with reference to wireless communication system100inFIG. 1. The steps of the flow chart inFIG. 12are not all-inclusive and may include other steps not shown.

In step1202, processing system104defines a location of interest at a geographic location. A location of interest may be permanent (exists until it is destroyed) or it may only exist for a limited period of time (e.g., deployed by a user to broadcast a time sensitive message). A location of interest may be defined based on user input from a mobile user (i.e., may be defined by a mobile user). The perceived location associated with a location of interest may be fixed or it may move as defined by the service parameters.

In step1204, processing system104anchors a message to the location of interest. For example, processing system104may receive input from a mobile user comprising a message to be anchored to the location of interest. The message may identify that a meeting for a social club is at restaurant XYZ, and may be anchored to a highway exit near the restaurant. The message may comprise a text message, a multimedia message, a digital picture, etc. Processing system104may also or alternatively anchor a service to the location of interest. For example, processing system104may anchor music, a video, a banner pop up, etc, to the location of interest.

In step1206, transmission system106provides or transmits the message or the service to a filtered set of mobile users that are proximate to the location of interest. The filtering may be performed based on any criteria defined by mobile user110, processing system104or characteristics of the social networking profile of other mobile users111-113.

For example, mobile user110may provide information relating to a football party at a restaurant. The message may be targeted at fans of a specific football team, and may be anchored to the location of the restaurant. Thus, mobile user110may define that the message be transmitted to users of the social network that have that specific football team listed as an interest in their social networking profile. When a mobile user (e.g., mobile user111) having that particular football team as an interest enters the geographic proximity of the restaurant, then transmission system106transmits the message to the mobile user111. Advantageously, mobile user111can visit the restaurant and interact socially with other fans of their favorite football team.

Alternatively, mobile user110may define a message with directions to a party at an intersection located near the party. The message may instruct mobile users to turn in a specific direction at the intersection and proceed to the party. The intersection defines a location of interest of the social network. The message may be further defined for delivery to members of a buddy list of mobile user110. Thus, when a member of the buddy list of mobile user110enters the proximity of the location interest, they will receive directions to the party.

Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to those specific embodiments. Further, while the embodiments described herein are directed specifically at social networks providing dating services, it will be appreciated that any type of social network may utilize the embodiments described herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.