Abstract: In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving an image associated with a user and analyzing, by the at least one processor, the image. The method also includes determining a set of colors of the image based on the analysis of the image and generating a representation of the image based on the determined set of colors. The method further includes comparing the representation of the image to one or more stored representations of a first set of images. The stored representations of the first set of images are based on sets of colors of the first set of images. The first set of images are associated with known users. The method also includes, in response to comparing the representation of the image to the one or more stored representations of the first set of images, determining that the user is a suspected fraudulent user.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a request at a communication broker for a communication session to involve a first endpoint and a second endpoint, where the communication broker includes a processor and a memory element. The method may also include evaluating first calendar information for a first end user associated with the first endpoint and second calendar information for a second end user associated with the second endpoint. The method may also include reconciling the first calendar information with the second calendar information to provide a time slot for the communication session. Additionally, the method may include mapping first end user data to a first identity associated with the first end user, where the second endpoint is shown the first identity, and where the first end user data associated with the first endpoint is hidden from being shown to the second endpoint.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a request at a communication broker for a communication session to involve a first endpoint and a second endpoint, where the communication broker includes a processor and a memory element. The method may also include evaluating first calendar information for a first end user associated with the first endpoint and second calendar information for a second end user associated with the second endpoint. The method may also include reconciling the first calendar information with the second calendar information to provide a time slot for the communication session. Additionally, the method may include mapping first end user data to a first identity associated with the first end user, where the second endpoint is shown the first identity, and where the first end user data associated with the first endpoint is hidden from being shown to the second endpoint.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central website operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. One or more searches are conducted for one or more of the end users, and one or more attributes previously determined by a selected one of the end users are varied to offer one or more additional matches to the selected end user, and the additional matches are different from matches offered to the selected end user based on the previously determined attributes. In more specific embodiments, the central website offers the additional matches based on a number of current matches being served to the selected end user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving text from submitted by a user. The method also includes determining a text score for the received text by comparing a first set of phrases included in the received text to a second set of phrases. The second set of phrases includes phrases from stored text. The stored text includes stored text known to be genuine and stored text known to be fraudulent. The method also includes determining that the received text is fraudulent based on the text score.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving an image associated with a user and analyzing, by the at least one processor, the image. The method also includes determining a set of colors of the image based on the analysis of the image and generating a representation of the image based on the determined set of colors. The method further includes comparing the representation of the image to one or more stored representations of a first set of images. The stored representations of the first set of images are based on sets of colors of the first set of images. The first set of images are associated with known users. The method also includes, in response to comparing the representation of the image to the one or more stored representations of the first set of images, determining that the user is a suspected fraudulent user.

Abstract: A computer system and computer implemented method to develop a relationship according to a multi-step process. The computer system may define a workflow having multiple stages, each stage having one or more game sessions to develop the relationship between participants. The games in successive stages of the workflow may be designed to encourage increased communication between the participants. A workflow may comprise at least three stages including a connect stage, a play stage, and a meet stage. An initial communication may include a written or asynchronous communication. Increased communication may include a voice, video, or real-time communication.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving first historical location information identifying a first location area at which a first user was present at a first time and receiving second location information identifying a second location area at which a second user was present at a second time. The method includes determining that the first historical location information and the second location information each correspond to a particular location area and determining that a characteristic related to the first user corresponds to a preference related to the second user. In response to these determinations, the method includes causing information related to the first user to be presented to the second user. The information related to the first user includes the first location area of the first user relative to the second location area of the second user.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a central website that interfaces with one or more end users to establish a profile for each of the end users to be used in matching the end users to each other for a potential relationship. Information is provided in the profile and the information includes relevant characteristics of corresponding end users. A first end user is asked one or more questions after their profile is established, the questions being posed to a second end user whose respective profile has also been established and whose profile has already been matched to the first end user's profile. Answers for the questions from the first and second end users are compared and a subsequent message is sent to the first end user if the answers provided by the first end user and the second end user are compatible.

Abstract: A method for providing a certified photograph in a network environment is offered that includes interfacing with one or more end users and managing information related to one or more of the end users. The method further includes displaying one or more photos of the end users and providing a label on the photos that certifies the photos as being substantially accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus for coordinating a relationship in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site includes an on-line component and an off-line component such that one or more of the end users can communicate and gather information about each other at the central web site and the central web site can facilitate a meeting in person between two of the end users.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site is operable to populate a queue of a first end user with a profile of a second end user. The central web site includes a search component that, once the first end user has reviewed the profile, allows the first end user to search for one or more other end users using specified criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site includes a set of questions for one or more of the end users to complete, whereby the central web site is operable to display a comparison of answers for the questions that are submitted by a first end user and a second end user.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site includes a set of questions for one or more of the end users to complete, whereby the central web site is operable to display a comparison of answers for the questions that are submitted by a first end user and a second end user.

Abstract: A method for providing a certified photograph in a network environment is offered that includes interfacing with one or more end users and managing information related to one or more of the end users. The method further includes displaying one or more photos of the end users and providing a label on the photos that certifies the photos as being substantially accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site is operable to populate a queue of a first end user with a profile of a second end user. The central web site includes a search component that, once the first end user has reviewed the profile, allows the first end user to search for one or more other end users using specified criteria.

Abstract: A method for profile matching includes receiving a plurality of user profiles, each user profile comprising traits of a respective user. The method includes receiving a preference indication for a first user profile of the plurality of user profiles. The method also includes determining a potential match user profile of the plurality of user profiles based on the preference indication for the first user profile. The method also includes presenting the potential match user profile to a second user.