WO2025009489A1 - Network system, information processing method, and server - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a network system 1 comprising: a server (100) that provides a social networking service (SNS); and communication terminals (300) of users that use the SNS. The server stores the proportion of making negative posts for each of the users, and restrains posts by a user having a high proportion of making negative posts from being displayed to other users.

Description

Network system, information processing method, and server

The present invention relates to technology for providing a social networking service (SNS) using the Internet.

SNSs that use the internet have been known for some time. For example, JP 2022-153093 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a post monitoring device, a post monitoring method, a program, and a recording medium. According to Patent Document 1, the post monitoring device includes a post receiving unit, a sentiment analysis unit, a judgment unit, an intervention unit, a notification unit, and an output unit. The post receiving unit receives posts from users. The sentiment analysis unit analyzes the user's emotions. The judgment unit judges whether the analyzed user's emotions are appropriate for posting. If the intervention unit judges that the user's emotions are not appropriate for posting, it intervenes with the user to calm the user's emotions. After the intervention, the notification unit notifies the user of the content of the judgment. The output unit outputs the post.

JP 2022-153093 A

The object of the present invention is to provide a network system in which negative posts that are likely to offend users, such as slander or libel, are less likely to appear on the user's screen.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a network system is provided that includes a server that provides a social networking service (SNS) and a communication terminal of a user who uses the SNS. The server stores the percentage of negative posts for each user, and restricts the display to other users of posts from a user with a high percentage of negative posts.

As described above, the present invention provides a network system in which negative posts that are likely to offend a user, such as slander or libel, are less likely to appear on the user's screen.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing history information of posts by each user in the network system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a first conceptual diagram illustrating an overview of an operation of a network system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a second conceptual diagram showing an outline of the operation of the network system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing user data according to the first embodiment; 10 is a flowchart showing information processing of a server when posting to an SNS according to the first embodiment; 11 is a flowchart showing information processing of a server when browsing an SNS according to the first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal according to a first embodiment; 23 is a flowchart showing information processing of a server when browsing an SNS according to the seventh embodiment; FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the operation of a network system according to a ninth embodiment; 23 is a flowchart showing information processing of a communication terminal of a user when browsing an SNS according to an eleventh embodiment; 11 is a flowchart showing an application example of the network system according to each embodiment. 11 is a flowchart in the case where the network system according to each embodiment is applied to posting on an SNS. 13 is a flowchart in the case where the network system of each embodiment is applied to posting in an online game. 11 is a flowchart in the case where the network system of each embodiment is applied to posting of news, reviews, comments on videos, and the like. 11 is a flowchart in the case where the network system of each embodiment is applied to posting on Twitter (registered trademark). This is an example of the qualities of users who make negative posts.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated, and the above description is to be used by reference.
First Embodiment
<Overall configuration of network system 1>

First, the overall configuration of a network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The network system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a server 100 for providing an SNS and a communication terminal 300 used by each of a plurality of users who use the SNS. The communication terminal 300 is realized by a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like, and is capable of communicating with the server 100 via the Internet, a carrier network, or the like.
<Overview of Operation of Network System 1>

Next, we will explain the general operation of the network system 1 according to this embodiment.

First of all, the users of SNS include those who make many aggressive posts (negative posts) that are likely to offend others (negative users). On the other hand, normal users (neutral users) and those who make many forward-looking posts (positive posts) often become offended by slander, libel, and other negative posts directed at them.

In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, each time a user posts, the server 100 analyzes the content of the post and determines whether the post is positive, neutral, or negative. The server 100 calculates and stores the percentage of positive posts, neutral posts, and negative posts for each user who posted.

Referring to FIG. 3, when a user as a viewer uses the SNS, the server 100 prevents posts from being displayed by users who have a high proportion of negative posts. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, if a positive user posts something negative, the post is displayed, and if a negative user posts something negative, the post is not displayed.

This will reduce the possibility that SNS users will become upset or suffer from mental disorders.

A specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing such functions will be described in detail below.
<Server configuration>

First, an embodiment of the configuration of the server 100 constituting the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 5, the server 100 includes, as its main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, an operation unit 140, and a communication interface 160.

The CPU 110 controls each part of the server 100 by executing the programs stored in the memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes the programs stored in the memory 120 and performs various processes, which will be described later, by referring to various data.

Memory 120 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and may be included in server 100, may be detachable from various interfaces of server 100, or may be a recording medium of another device accessible from server 100. Memory 120 stores programs executed by CPU 110, data generated by execution of programs by CPU 110, various input data, and other databases used for the services according to this embodiment.

For example, in this service, the memory 120 stores user data 121. Referring to FIG. 6, the user data 121 stores, for each user, a user ID, a user name, a total number of posts, the number of positive posts, the percentage of positive posts, the number of negative posts, the percentage of negative posts, a display restriction percentage, and the like.

The display restriction ratio is a numerical value that is used to determine whether or not to display posts by another user (second user) as a contributor to a user (first user) as a viewer. If the ratio of negative posts by the second user exceeds the display restriction ratio value of the first user, the posts by the second user will not be displayed to the first user. In other words, if the ratio of negative posts by the second user exceeds the display restriction ratio of the first user, the CPU 110 will not display the posts by the second user on the display screen of the SNS of the first user.

In this embodiment, when the CPU 110 receives a display restriction ratio designation from the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160, it registers or updates the display restriction ratio corresponding to the user of the communication terminal 300. Note that the initial value at the time of service registration may be a form in which no display restriction is imposed, may be set to 100%, or may be set to another value such as 50%.

Returning to FIG. 5, the operation unit 140 accepts commands from the service administrator or the like and inputs the commands to the CPU 110.

The communication interface 160 transmits data from the CPU 110 to the communication terminal 300 and other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 160 receives data from those devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 110 or stores it in the memory 120.
<Server information processing method>

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the information processing performed by the server 100 in this embodiment when accepting a post will be described. The CPU 110 of the server 100 executes the following processing according to the program in the memory 120.

First, the CPU 110 receives a new post from the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S112). The post may be a comment on a video, photo, article, etc., or a comment or reply to the comment. The CPU 110 stores the received text data in the memory 120 together with the user ID and the date and time of receipt (step S114).

The CPU 110 analyzes the received post by using AI or a server for natural language processing (step S116).

The CPU 110 uses this analysis to determine whether the current post is positive, negative, or neutral (step S118). For example, the CPU 110 extracts context-based features from the post data or uses a machine learning model to determine which emotion (positive, negative, neutral) these features indicate. Note that there are no limitations on the method of analyzing the post content or identifying the emotion.

The CPU 110 updates the user data 121 of the current poster based on the judgment result (step S120). For example, the CPU 110 increments the total number of posts for the poster's user ID by +1, and based on the judgment result, increments the number of positive posts or the number of negative posts by +1, and calculates and updates the positive post ratio or negative post ratio.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the information processing performed by the server 100 according to this embodiment when providing a post display screen will be described. The CPU 110 of the server 100 executes the following processing according to the program in the memory 120.

First, the CPU 110 receives a request for an SNS web page from the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S132).

The CPU 110 searches for news and posts that are highly relevant to the user based on the browsing history and other attributes of the user of the communication terminal 300 (step S134).

The CPU 110 references the user data 121 and reads the display restriction ratio for that user (step S136).

The CPU 110 removes from the searched posts those posts from users whose proportion of negative posts as the poster exceeds the display limit ratio (step S138). Alternatively, the CPU 110 extracts from the searched posts only those posts from users whose proportion of negative posts is less than the display limit ratio (step S138).

The CPU 110 creates SNS web page data consisting of the remaining posts (step S140).

CPU 110 transmits the web page data to the user's communication terminal 300 via communication interface 160 (step S142).
<Configuration of communication terminal 300>

Next, referring to FIG. 9, one embodiment of the configuration of the communication terminal 300 used by the user will be described. For example, the communication terminal 300 according to this embodiment includes, as main components, a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, a communication interface 360, a speaker 370, a microphone 380, and a camera 390.

The CPU 310 controls each part of the communication terminal 300 by executing various programs stored in the memory 320.

Memory 320 is realized by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc. Memory 320 stores application programs for various services, web pages downloaded from the Internet, data generated by execution of programs by CPU 310, data received from server 100, data input via operation unit 340, information about communication terminal 300 itself, information about users, etc.

The display 330 displays images and text based on data from the CPU 310. The operation unit 340 is composed of a pointing device, switches, etc., and inputs various commands from the user to the CPU 310. The communication terminal 300 may also have a touch panel 350 that includes the display 330 and the operation unit 340.

The communication interface 360 transmits and receives data to and from other devices such as the server 100 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. For example, the CPU 310 transmits and receives various types of information, such as web page data, text data, image data, and audio data, to and from the server 100 via the communication interface 360 in accordance with a web browser program or other application programs.

The speaker 370 outputs various sounds based on signals from the CPU 310.

The microphone 380 receives voice and inputs the voice data to the CPU 310. The CPU 310 receives voice messages from users, including those from the operation unit 340, and transmits the voice messages to the server 100.

Camera 390 captures moving images and still images according to instructions from CPU 310, and inputs the image data to CPU 310 or stores it in memory 320.

In this embodiment, CPU 310 accepts input of a post from a user as a poster via operation unit 340. CPU 310 transmits the posted data to server 100 via communication interface 360. Alternatively, CPU 310 accepts a command to view a page from a user as a viewer via operation unit 340. CPU 310 receives SNS page data from server 100 via communication interface 360 and displays it on display 330.
Second Embodiment

In the above embodiment, the display limit percentage is set for each user. However, the display limit percentage may be preset for all users. For example, it may be 50%.

Alternatively, the display restriction ratio may be automatically determined for each user based on the ratio of negative posts among the user's own posts. For example, in step S136 of Fig. 8, the CPU 110 may read out the ratio of negative posts of the user as a viewer from the user data 121 and set the ratio of negative posts as the display restriction ratio. In other words, it is possible to prevent posts from being displayed by a user who has more negative posts than the user.
Third Embodiment

Also, in step S140 of FIG. 8, the CPU 110 may include a number or an icon of the display restriction ratio of the user in the SNS page to be displayed to the user as a viewer. As a result, when the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 displays the SNS page on the display 330, the display restriction ratio set for the user is displayed somewhere on the screen. By displaying the display restriction ratio on the screen, the guardian can recognize that the child user is unlikely to view negative posts, and as a result, can allow the child to use the SNS with peace of mind. Also, if the user is an actor or singer, the manager or person in charge of the production company or the like can recognize that the user is unlikely to view negative posts.
<Fourth embodiment>

8, CPU 110 may include a number, an icon, or the like indicating the percentage of negative posts about the user himself/herself on the SNS page displayed to the user as a viewer. This causes CPU 310 of communication terminal 300 to display the percentage of negative posts about the user somewhere on the screen when displaying the SNS page on display 330. This can motivate the SNS user to reduce negative posts.
Fifth embodiment

In addition, in step S140 of FIG. 8, CPU 110 may add the poster's name and the percentage of negative posts by that poster to each post displayed on the SNS web page. In this way, when CPU 310 of communication terminal 300 displays the poster's name and the percentage of negative posts by that poster for each post when displaying the SNS page on display 330. As a result, even if a user sees slander or libel directed at them, they can recognize that the user who posted such a thing is a user who always says negative things, and the degree to which they are offended can be reduced.

In addition, the poster's name and the percentage of negative posts by that poster may always be displayed for each post, or when a post or poster's name is clicked or the cursor is placed over a post or poster's name, a pop-up showing the percentage of negative posts by that poster may be displayed.
Sixth embodiment

In addition, in step S140 of FIG. 8, CPU 110 may add information such as an icon indicating that the post itself is a negative post next to the poster's name or directly above the posted article for each post displayed on the SNS page. When displaying an SNS page on display 330, CPU 310 of communication terminal 300 can display an icon indicating that the current post is negative, regardless of whether it is the poster's own post or someone else's, and regardless of the poster's proportion of negative posts.

This reduces the negative impact on viewers when a user who posts a negative message makes one, even though the percentage of negative messages is low. More specifically, users who view a message can prepare themselves for the fact that a negative message is being displayed before viewing the message, reducing the shock. In addition, users who post messages can recognize that their messages are negative, and can therefore modify or delete them before they are viewed by many users.

More specifically, the configurations of the fourth to sixth embodiments can reduce the psychological effects of anonymization based on the "social feedback theory." The social feedback theory is the idea that people's behavior changes with feedback from others. People are sensitive to how others see them and evaluate them, and tend to try to modify their self-awareness and behavior based on that feedback. A user who posted a negative message receives feedback that their behavior is negatively evaluated by having their behavior labeled as "negative." As a result, users who care about social evaluations may avoid posting negative messages and change their behavior to promote more positive communication. In addition, other users may see the feedback and understand that negative messages are not socially accepted, and will be more likely to avoid posting similar messages. This is also part of the "social learning theory." It has been introduced in many papers that online (especially anonymous) WEB communication increases aggression (online disinhibition effect). For example, by giving feedback to the poster regarding each element in FIG. 18, improvement can be expected. In the network system 1 according to the above embodiment, it is possible to hide posts from users who post many posts containing those elements based on the tendency of their usual posts.
Seventh embodiment

10, it is also preferable that CPU 110 removes posts from users whose ratio of negative posts exceeds the display limit ratio from among the searched posts (step S138), and then rearranges the posts on the SNS page in order from the posts from users whose ratio of negative posts is smallest (step S139). CPU 110 may then create SNS page data in which the posts have been rearranged in a suitable manner (step S140).
Eighth embodiment

8 and 10, the CPU 110 may post an advertisement on an SNS page according to the hobbies, preferences, and attributes of the user as a viewer. In particular, in this embodiment, when selecting a user to distribute to in accordance with a request from an advertiser, the CPU 110 of the server 100 preferably distributes the advertisement preferentially to an SNS page to be displayed to users with a low ratio of negative posts.
Ninth embodiment

In the above embodiment, user posts are divided into three categories: positive, neutral, and negative. However, this is not the only option. For example, each post may be divided into more categories, or into only two categories.

For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 110 of the server 100 may classify user posts into five levels: positive, slightly positive, neutral, slightly negative, and negative. Alternatively, the CPU 110 of the server 100 may classify users as posters into five levels: positive users, slightly positive users, neutral users, slightly negative users, and negative users. The server 100 may also restrict posts by users who have a high ratio of slightly negative or negative posts from being displayed to other users as viewers.
Tenth embodiment

Also, only a few months' worth of posts may be stored as valid posts that are the source of the user data 121. For example, posts older than six months may not be reflected in the user data 121, and posts within the last three months may be weighted more heavily when calculating the ratio of negative posts.
Eleventh embodiment

Some or all of the roles of each device in the network system 1 of the above embodiment may be performed by another device. For example, some or all of the roles of the server 100 of the above embodiment may be performed by another device such as a communication terminal 300, or may be shared among multiple devices on the cloud.

For example, one server group may implement a social networking system, another server group may perform language processing on the content of posts, and another server group may perform sentiment analysis on the posts.

Alternatively, a part of the program installed in the server 100 may be stored and executed in the communication terminal 300. More specifically, the CPU 110 of the server 100 extracts data of multiple posts according to the hobbies, preferences, attributes, etc. of the user as a viewer, and transmits the data to the communication terminal 300. The data of the posts includes the content of the posts, the poster's name, and the percentage of negative posts by the poster.

Meanwhile, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 executes the following processes according to the application program for SNS stored in the memory 320.

First, each time a user posts, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 determines whether the post is negative, either by itself or according to the determination of the server 100. The CPU 310 updates the user data 121 in the memory 320 based on the result of the determination. The CPU 310 can also accept a display restriction ratio setting from the user via the operation unit 340.

Then, as shown in Fig. 12, data of a plurality of posts suitable for the user's hobbies, preferences, and attributes is received from the server 100 (step S232). The CPU 310 refers to the user data 121 and reads out the display limit ratio of the user (step S236). The CPU 310 removes posts from users whose negative post ratio exceeds the display limit ratio from among the posts received from the server 100 (step S238). Alternatively, the CPU 110 extracts only posts from users whose negative post ratio is less than the display limit ratio from among the searched posts (step S238). The CPU 310 displays the SNS screen on the display 330 based on the data of the remaining posts (step S242).
<Additional Information>

Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the method of determining whether the posted content is negative or positive. For example, the server 100 may perform emotion analysis processing as shown in FIG. 13. A negative post is an emotion (anger, disgust, disappointment) that causes stress to other users. When using an emotion analysis model that can subdivide negative emotions, it is preferable that the CPU 110 does not determine that emotions such as "sadness, anxiety, and loneliness" are negative emotions but are highly likely not slanderous.
<Other application examples>

The network system 1 of the above embodiment can also be applied to information processing in SNS, as shown in FIG. 14, as an example.

Alternatively, the network system 1 can also be applied to posting online games, as shown in FIG. 15, as an example.

Alternatively, the network system 1 can also be applied to posting news, reviews, comments on videos, etc., as shown in FIG. 16, for example.

Alternatively, the network system 1 can be applied to posts on Twitter (registered trademark) or the like, as shown in FIG. 17, for example.
<Example of emotion analysis using natural language processing model>

Below is an example of sentiment analysis using AI with a natural language processing model.
(Negative Example 1)
Posted by A:
I found a new job and I'm having a lot of fun!
B's comment:
"You'll probably quit that job soon anyway, won't you? Looking at your work history, I don't think you'll last long."
Sentiment Analysis Results:
This comment is aggressive and negative. Person B is negatively evaluating Person A's past work history and questioning his/her ability and continuity.

(Negative Example 2)
Posted by A:
"Recently, I've been focusing on my health and have started running every day."
B's comment:
“It’s funny that you’re so health-conscious. You eat junk food all the time.”
Sentiment Analysis Results:
This comment also has an aggressive and negative feel to it. Person B is sarcastic and dismissing Person A's new endeavor, and is mocking Person A by bringing up his past actions.

(Positive Example 1)
Posted by A:
"I'm planning to go hiking in the mountains this weekend. I want to refresh myself while enjoying the great outdoors!"
B's comment:
"That's a great idea, Mr. A! Nature is the best way to relax. I'm looking forward to seeing some beautiful landscape photos!"
Sentiment Analysis Results:
This comment contains positive and encouraging emotions. Person B praises Person A's hiking plan, shares their enjoyment, and expresses excitement.

(Positive Example 2)
Posted by A:
"Today I made a homemade cake. It was my first time, but I think it turned out better than I expected!"
B's comment:
"Wow, Mr. A! That cake looks delicious! I'm always impressed with your culinary sense and creativity."
Sentiment Analysis Results:
This comment expresses positive and complimentary sentiment. Person B praises Person A's cooking ability, evaluates his efforts positively, and thanks him for his efforts.
<Summary>

In the above embodiment, a network system is provided that includes a server that provides a social networking service (SNS) and a communication terminal of a user who uses the SNS. The server stores the percentage of negative posts for each user, and restricts the display to other users of posts from users who have a high percentage of negative posts.

Preferably, the server accepts, for each user using the SNS, a setting for the percentage of negative posts from other users that should be restricted from being displayed.

Preferably, the server displays information indicating the set posting ratio on the communication device of a user who is using the SNS.

Preferably, the server causes a communication device of a user using the SNS to display information indicating the percentage of negative posts about that user.

Preferably, the server displays information on the communication terminal of a user using the SNS indicating the percentage of negative posts related to the poster of the displayed post.

Preferably, the server displays a predetermined message on the communication device of a user using the SNS indicating that the displayed post is negative.

Preferably, the server will prioritize displaying posts from users with a low rate of negative posts over users with a high rate of negative posts.

Preferably, the server prioritizes displaying advertisements to users with a low rate of negative posts over users with a high rate of negative posts.

In the above embodiment, an information processing method is provided that includes the steps of: a user posting to an SNS; a server updating the proportion of negative posts made by the user who is the poster by determining whether the post is negative or not; and, when a user who is the viewer browses the SNS, the server restricts the display of posts made by users who make a high proportion of negative posts.

In the above embodiment, a server that provides an SNS is provided. The server includes a communication interface for communicating with users' communication terminals, a memory for storing the percentage of negative posts for each user, and a processor that limits the display to other users of posts from users with a high percentage of negative posts.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1: Network system 100: Server 110: CPU
120: Memory 121: User data 140: Operation unit 160: Communication interface 300: Communication terminal 310: CPU
320: Memory 330: Display 340: Operation unit 350: Touch panel 360: Communication interface 370: Speaker 380: Microphone 390: Camera

Claims (10)

A server providing a social networking service (SNS);
A communication terminal of a user who uses the SNS,
The server stores the rate at which negative posts are made for each user, and restricts the display to other users of posts from users with a high rate of negative posts. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server accepts, for each user using the SNS, a setting for the proportion of negative posts by other users that should be restricted from being displayed. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes a communication terminal of a user using the SNS to display information indicating the set posting ratio. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes a communication terminal of a user using the SNS to display information indicating the proportion of negative posts about the user. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes a communication terminal of a user using the SNS to display information indicating the percentage of negative posts related to the poster of the displayed post. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server displays a predetermined message on the communication terminal of a user using the SNS indicating that the displayed post is negative. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server prioritizes displaying posts by users with a low rate of negative posts over posts by users with a high rate of negative posts. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server displays advertisements preferentially to users with a low rate of negative posts over users with a high rate of negative posts. A step in which a user posts on an SNS;
A server updates the negative posting rate of the user by determining whether the posting is negative;
The information processing method includes a step in which, when a user who is a viewer views an SNS, the server restricts the display of posts from users who have a high rate of making negative posts. A server providing an SNS,
a communication interface for communicating with a user's communication terminal;
A memory for storing a ratio of negative posts for each user;
A server comprising: a processor that limits the display of posts from a user with a high rate of negative posts to other users.

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