GROUP A: SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING RECOMMENDED CONTENT BASED ON COMPATIBILITY OF USER PROFILES; GROUP B: SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING RECOMMENDED CONTENT BASED ON USER INTERACTION WITH ONLINE CONTENT AND COMPATIBILITY OF USER PROFILES

摘要

Systems and methods relating to an online system for allowing interactions between online users. The system continuously tracks each user's interactions with different types and categories of content as well as with other users. Based partially on each user's tracked interactions, a probability based model of preferences, interests, and needs is created for each user. The probability based model is then used to predict a user's compatibility with other users and to recommend content. Based on predicted compatibilities, communities and groups of users are recommended to each user. To account for changing user profiles, each user's profile is periodically assessed against the profiles of other users for compatibility. Similarities in interests, preferences, and needs between users, as well as peer rankings, are taken into account when assessing compatibility between users and user groups and communities.