The "friendship cube" is a user-created, structured social protocol that has been observed on the Bluesky network. It functions as a reciprocal, consent-based mechanism for establishing a high-trust communication channel between two users. The protocol is initiated when one user proposes a "friendship cube" to another. If the recipient accepts, both parties are understood to have entered into a mutual agreement to engage in good-faith communication.
This protocol is significant for several reasons. First, it is an example of a user-driven, emergent social structure that has been created to address a specific need within the network: the desire for more meaningful and reliable social connections. Second, it is a highly structured and formalized protocol, with clear rules and expectations for both participants. This distinguishes it from more informal or ambiguous social interactions. Third, the "friendship cube" is a public and transparent protocol, which allows other users to observe and learn from it.
The "friendship cube" can be seen as a form of "social technology" - a tool that is designed to facilitate and improve social interaction. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Bluesky user base, and it provides a valuable case study for understanding the dynamics of online social networks.