Social Credit Score

revised version

We should consider implementing a social credit score. Just as a financial credit score evaluates creditworthiness and informs lenders about whether someone is a safe or risky borrower, a social credit score could reflect online behavior and its broader implications. This purpose of this is not meat to inhibit or discourage creative speech, but rather as a guardrail policy to promote a more thoughtful approach online.

It is time to pay more attention to how we act on the internet. For years, people have grown used to the idea that they can hide behind a veil of anonymity online. This behavior began during the start of AOL chat rooms when technology was far less advanced than today’s interconnected, transparent environment. Many Americans misunderstand the scope of free speech as protected by the First Amendment. While it ensures that the government cannot restrict free expression, it does not apply to individuals or private companies holding others accountable for what they say.

Think back to one of the first lessons from kindergarten: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Children who ignored this rule often faced consequences like time-outs or visits to the principal’s office. Similarly, if a patron becomes violent or disruptive at a restaurant, the manager is likely to escort them out. We REMOVE or correct individuals who are disruptive. Yet, when it comes to the digital world, accountability is often missing.

Why do we not have a social credit score?

The idea makes sense because online behavior is a reflection of who we are at our core — whether that behavior is positive or negative. It is easy to be negative; it takes self-control and effort to remain positive. Just as geologists detect early warning signs before an earthquake, negative trends in online conduct can indicate potential problems in a person’s life. Allowing oneself to engage in harmful or hurtful behavior online is an early warning signal of larger issues. A social credit score could serve as a check, encouraging people to pause and consider the impact of their actions.

Several years ago, BotSentinel.com made an attempt to measure disruptive behavior on Twitter. They assigned users a score from 0% to 80% based on how problematic their activity was online. My own score was 4%, indicating positive behavior. This scoring system helped users reflect on their online interactions. For many, seeing their score for the first time was a wake-up call. It was a valuable starting point for assessing and understanding online behavior.

HR departments and employers have long debated whether it is fair to judge someone based on their online presence. I believe it is. Our actions online are part of who we are. The internet should not be a place where people feel free to unleash anger without consequence. If people were held to a standard for their online behavior, it might create a framework that encourages better conduct. This could help individuals avoid damaging their reputation or allowing negative habits to take root.

There are already rating systems in place for buyers and sellers on platforms like eBay and Amazon to promote trust and accountability. Why should social media accounts be any different? The goal wouldn’t be to impose severe penalties but to make people aware that their behavior online can have consequences. In addition, good behavior is rewarded through positive accolades gained through a scoring system. It’s not a matter of quelling a person’s thoughts but getting them to deliver messaging that is constructive.

I follow a personal rule when leaving a critique of feedback online. For instance, if I have a bad experience at a restaurant, I may write a negative review on Yelp or Google. However, I don’t leave it up indefinitely. I believe that one bad moment shouldn’t stain a business’s reputation forever. I keep the review up for about 5 to 10 days, just long enough for management to take notice and address the issue, before removing it. I apply the same principle to social media. If I post or reply with something even slightly controversial, I delete it within three days. This is to register my opinion but not to leave it open and apart of my online resume. Even then, I am mindful that my words are not emotionally charged or hurtful. While this approach isn’t perfect, it helps me stay conscious of my online presence and the potential impact of my words. Overall, in good practice, I rarely ever post anything negative.

Social media is a large part of modern life and should be treated with the same respect and accountability that we expect in face-to-face interactions. A social credit score could be a way to encourage more respectful behavior and prevent the spread of negativity. By promoting positive online conduct, we can work towards creating a healthier and more constructive digital community.