Patent ID: 8620799

Claim:
A tracking system for tracking obligations incurred between individuals associated with a social network service, the tracking system comprising: a communication interface that enables the tracking system to interface with the social network service; a processor; and a non-volatile memory medium comprising instructions that direct the processor to perform the following operations: receiving a request from a first user of the social network service, wherein the request comprises an expense incurred by the first user for purchase of an item or service on behalf of a second user of the social network service; providing a notice of the request to the second user, the notice comprising a description of the item or service purchased by the first user; receiving, from the second user, a confirmation that: the item or service was purchased on behalf of the second user; and the second user will assume an obligation associated with the expense, wherein the obligation is substantially equal in value to the expense; associating the obligation with the second user in response to receipt of the confirmation; associating a benefit with the first user in response to receipt of the confirmation, wherein the benefit is associated with the expense, and wherein the benefit is substantially equal in value to the expense; and interfacing with the social network service via the communication interface to provide the social network service with information about at least one of the obligation and the benefit.