A project of the Integrity InstituteA powerful collection of platform intervention falls under the term "affinity" - an explicit estimation the level of existing (or potential) connection between two individuals. Though different platforms compute it in different ways, Affinity scores might derive from the users' prior interactions, mutual connections, geographic proximity, and possibly other indicators that signify an existing bond or the potential for one. Today, affinity plays a critical role in countering spam and phishing attacks, but its potential applications extend far beyond that.
Consider, for instance, a content feed that arranges posts based on affinity, prioritizing content from close connections above all else. Such an arrangement would strengthen social bonds and emphasize the significance of established connections.
Imagine, as another example, a comment system that only permits friends of the post's author to add comments without the author's approval. By implementing this measure, the system designs away the probability of harassment and doxxing.
At its heart, Affinity is a way to customize a user's experience of an online platform passively, learning from their prior interactions to help build them a space that aligns with their goals. In a digital world, affinity is an anchor to authenticity, prioritizing digital experiences that honor and amplify the power of human connection.