Software Functions

There are a number of specific areas in which new software tools, beyond existing email, listserv, and websites, could change the nature of interaction between individuals and organizations on the Net.

Individual Control of Identity - The foundation of social networking software must be metadata self-descriptions, with secure access permissions, that each user creates and continues to exclusively control. Each user's interest and affinity metadata must most likely be stored separately and linked to their core identity in an encrypted untraceable manner so as to allow for the creation of anonymous aggregate depictions of demographic patterns and communities of interest.

Core Social Network Functions - These three items describe what could be considered the core functions:

Mirroring - will make it possible for us to see how many of us there in fact are. This experience alone will be tremendously empowering and has the potential to shift the political and cultural landscape overnight. These representations may be geographical, literally shown as an overlay on a map, or purely abstract conceptual depictions in 2 or 3D showing how we are inter-linked in over lapping networks of networks.

Mapping - will make it possible to explore these networks of people and organizations who share interests in detail. This will reveal where redundancy could be avoided and where collaboration would be natural. By allowing us to see the "lay of the land" together, various groups will benefit from seeing the same view of the space they all hold in common. This will allow us to see ourselves as part of communities of mutual interest. Ultimately, these tools will also make it possible to discover and match vast numbers of interrelated projects with skills and resources.

Messaging - will make it possible for everyone using these systems to filter and pre-file the message traffic they receive to better manage their own time and attention in the face of increased interconnectedness. Many are already overwhelmed with the sheer volume of messages we receive from the existing email system. The only solution to that current dysfunctional situation will be to implement new messaging protocols which will allow us to better manage and filter that traffic.

Networking Introduction and Referral - Electronic representation of both topical interest and relationship metadata allows brokering software to extend personal referrals across more than one degree of separation.

Search Tools - allow people to find new colleagues, as well as facilitating more sophisticated access to resource materials.

Collaboration Tools - allow groups to better collaborate with each other, both asynchronously and in real time, to accomplish meaningful social purposes.

Language Translation - Although it remains crude, translation has actually advanced rapidly in recent years and an open international consortia effort has formed to advance translation on the Internet.

Polling - In the long run, questions of general interest can be brought before the larger network through a qualifying initiative process. This might ultimately allow democratic self-sampling of global public opinion.

Consumer-Directed Commerce - Tools that allow global citizens to immediately see and understand the ecological and social consequences of our consumer and investment decisions, aggregate collective buying power, and facilitate sharing product evaluations have the potential to revolutionize commerce.

Complimentary Currency - Existing systems are already offering local communities the ability to create mutual credit systems to exchange value. These promise to become globally interoperable.

Electronic Barter Exchange - At least one system is already implementing an online barter brokering system, other more sophisticated systems are also possible using software to resolve multiple wants and needs.

Financial Services - The aggregation of our collective financial clout and capital by redirecting lending and investment into more just, sustainable ventures will change the world.

Independent Media Aggregation - Independent media channels are proliferating rapidly around the world. The grassroots RSS phenomenon is already changing the nature of text news delivery online. Authentication and reputation systems could facilitate emergent editorial quality and potentially even funding feedback. These phenomena have the potential to revolutionize public access to news and information, not just on the web in the conventional sense, but also through audio over digital means to provide customized alternative news radio, and even through the possibility of using the Internet as a channel for transporting and distributing video content prior to aggregation for broadcast programming. This is really a place holder for a vast topic which both overlaps and goes beyond the scope of social network software.

updated: August 22, 2002 - 3:15 am PDT