Blockchain solutions for trustworthy decentralization in social networks

Abstract

The influence of blockchain on technology, especially in the field of finance, has brought about the age of cryptocurrencies and decentralized control, spreading its impact across various industries to ensure precision. As the trend moves towards decentralized social networks, diverse approaches are explored, becoming crucial tools for defining trust and privacy in individuals’ personal lives during uncertain environments. Blockchain’s transformative role reaches beyond finance, revolutionizing how we establish trust and privacy in our interconnected digital societies. Concurrently, researchers recognize the efficacy of trust models in enhancing the security and reliability of social networks applications. However, a comprehensive review of recent advancements in trust models based on blockchain for social networks is lacking. To address this gap, our survey takes a comprehensive perspective on the theme of trust within decentralized networks. We examine various concepts such as the trust concept itself, trust models, trust prediction methodologies, decentralization in trust-based social networks, and the role of blockchain in fortifying trust and security in social networks. We investigate the intersection of trust and blockchain technology, encompassing concepts, types of blockchain, and their applications in social networks. These models are categorized based on different parameters, and we examine both their advantages and limitations. Finally, we propose prospective paths for researchers interested in exploring this area.