Abstract: An intent engine that automatically detects user intent from messages of a social network (e.g., messages with questions to ask) and outputs intent data. The engine is intelligent in that it can process natural language input such as questions and terms. The user is then directed to an answer page filtered according to the intent data and which provides answers related to a question, for example. The intent engine can be designated (e.g., tagged, or “friended”) and then linked into a specialized relationship (e.g., a “friend”). Accordingly, in one example, a URL link is constructed that points to the answer page, with filters configured based on the intent data. The URL is then sent back to the user as a friendly response. When the user selects the link, the user is presented with an answer page that provides answers which match the user intent derived from the user messages.

Abstract: An intent engine that automatically detects user intent from messages of a social network (e.g., messages with questions to ask) and outputs intent data. The engine is intelligent in that it can process natural language input such as questions and terms. The user is then directed to an answer page filtered according to the intent data and which proviJoshdes answers related to a question, for example. The intent engine can be designated (e.g., tagged, or “friended”) and then linked into a specialized relationship (e.g., a “friend”). Accordingly, in one example, a URL link is constructed that points to the answer page, with filters configured based on the intent data. The URL is then sent back to the user as a friendly response. When the user selects the link, the user is presented with an answer page that provides answers which match the user intent derived from the user messages.