Graduated Features

Graduated Features describes the category of interventions in which access to specific features is gated based on a user's demonstrated responsibility over time. Like a video game where players unlock new levels or tools as they progress, using a gradauated feature approach, newcomers might start with basic capabilities—posting their own content, or liking other posts, for instance. As users engage positively and abide by community guidelines, they 'level up,' gaining access to more sophisticated tools, such as commenting on other users' posts, sending messages to strangers, or even moderating conversations. This method works because a history of non-problematic behavior serves as a de-facto gauge of trustworthiness. It's an online reflection of the simple societal norm that trust is earned through consistent, respectful actions.

Additionally, explaining this approach to users is straightforward because it mirrors real-life experiences where privileges come with proven reliability. Moreover, by framing features as rewards for positive community interaction, users are motivated to uphold the platform's standards in order to advance toward those capabilities.

Graduated features act as a protective buffer, significantly reducing the risk of various abuses, including spamming, the intentional distribution of misinformation, or other forms of automated inauthentic behavior, since the creation of accounts with a reputation of legitimate engagement can prove a prohibitive barrier. This approach not only fosters a better environment for all users through reducing harm, but when done well, can instill a sense of communal achievement and individual responsibility that enhance the platform as a whole.