Abstract: A system and method for matching individual users based on shared activity preference and current geographic location. The method includes the steps of a communications device determining a geographic location of a first user, receiving a preferred activity of the first user, querying a database for a second user with the same preferred activity as the first user whose geographic location is within a threshold radius of the first user's location, prompting the first user to accept or decline a match with the second user, and, if the first user accepts the match, commencing a chat session between the first and second user. The system and method allow for real-time matching of individuals nearby to one another who wish to participate in the same activity.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reducing the creation of inappropriate or fraudulent accounts within a digital system. The method prompts a user for input of key biographical data and then initiates capture of a live video of the user. Video capture is accomplished via activation of a user's own webcam or other audio-video capture device. System software activates the audio-video capture device and instructs the device to continue recording for a predetermined period of time. The resultant multimedia file is stored in conjunction with the submitted biographical data in a database. System administrators review the multimedia file or appropriateness of content and check the file contents against the provided biographical data. If the file is inappropriate or the data does not match the file contents, the account creation request is denied and the account is deleted prior to activation on the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of auctioning a digital multimedia interactive session between a celebrity and a system user. Both the celebrity and the user are members of a digital community such as a social network, though they may have different types of member accounts. Celebrities are required to record a live video during the account generation process and this video is reviewed by system administrators to parse out persons purporting to be celebrities, but aren't. Upon successful vetting, the celebrity then establishes a desired time, date, and topic for a digital multimedia interactive session, culminating in the submission of a request to the system. The request is reviewed and approved by the system administrators who launch an auction on a website. Users can bid in the auction up until the predetermined close date. Auction winners of the auction are provided the opportunity to interact with the celebrity.

Abstract: Provided is a method of establishing a multimedia interactive chat room populated with a pseudo-random sampling of available participants. The pool of available participants is defined as the group composed of members of an online community whose user accounts have been reviewed by system administrators for appropriateness of content and consistency between captured videos and submitted biographical data. Results of sample selection are displayed to the requesting user, who can then decide to begin multimedia interactive chat sessions with one or more users, or may select a “reshuffle” option, which results in the display of a new sample of available members. Requesting users can limit the type of persons displayed by selecting filters such as interest based filters. Users are thus provided with the ability to speak with other community members without all participants having to actively enter a chat room website.