Project Info

Developing Prototypical Identity Verification Mechanisms for Users of Online Communities

Estelle Smith
estellesmith@mines.edu

Project Goals and Description:

Although identity verification is frequently deployed in online contexts like banking or shopping, it is less frequently used in online communities on social platforms (e.g., social media). In cases where it is, it often lacks the nuance needed to foster trust and belonging among users, especially since it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between humans and bots. While some platforms use basic verification methods (e.g., email confirmation), these fail to address deeper needs for community-specific identity validation—such as verifying lived experiences, age, gender, professional credentials, etc.—that can enhance safety, inclusivity, and a sense of virtual community. The research lab of Professor Estelle Smith, in collaboration with cybersecurity Professors Chuan Yue and Guannan Liu, has initiated a new line of research into online identity verification. Based on our prior research and ongoing results, this MURF project will involve contributing to the technical development of prototype verification mechanisms that empower moderators to implement customized, equitable, and scalable identity checks. This research may ultimately contribute to safer, more inclusive online spaces while advancing sociotechnical scholarship on identity and governance in digital communities.

More Information:

Grand Challenge: Secure cyberspace.
The following paper describes the importance of verification of certain identity aspects and how successful verification protocols enhance sense of virtual community. This paper is inspiring a new line of research in Professor Smith's lab: C. Estelle Smith, Shamika Klassen, Gale H. Prinster, Chenhao Tan, Brian Keegan. Governance of the Black Experience on Reddit: r/BlackPeopleTwitter as a Case Study in Supporting Sense of Virtual Community for Black Users. CSCW 2024. (https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3686920)

Primary Contacts:

Estelle Smith, estellesmith@mines.edu Alemitu Bezabih, alemitubezabih@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
  • Strong interest in technology design, UI/UX, Human-Computer Interaction, and/or Cybersecurity/Privacy.
  • Currently enrolled as a junior or senior undergraduate student, preferably in Computer Science or Engineering, Design, and Society.
  • Strong coding and technical skills or knowledge in areas such as software engineering, use of APIs, databases, cybersecurity, etc.
  • Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior personal experience as a social media user.
  • Prior training in design-related coursework, such as Human-Centered Design, UI/UX Design, etc.
  • Interest in start-ups and building a better Internet for all.

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

5

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

  • The student will deepen their experience with coding and technical skills/knowledge in software engineering, use of APIs, databases, cybersecurity, etc.
  • The student will gain exposure to and experience with online community moderation as we seek to work with moderators to co-design and implement new software and tools that will be meaningful and useful for online communities.
  • The student may have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and students at Mines engaged in founding activities for a new start-up, and will therefore practice teamwork in a quickly evolving professional environment.

MENTORING PLAN

As a key member of an interdisciplinary research group, you will be embedded in the only Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research lab at Mines. Throughout your work, you will be mentored by a research team consisting of Professor Estelle Smith, PhD, and Research Associate, Alemitu Bezabih, PhD. Mentorship activities include:
  • Participation in in-person weekly team meetings on campus.
  • Regular 1:1 mentoring sessions with Drs. Smith and Bezabih as needed.  
  • Invitation to participate in lab social activities. 
  • Support to contribute to scientific paper publications.
  • Possibility to attend conferences and present papers or posters if the student is motivated to earn first authorship (encouraged, but not required).
  • Possibility to participate in tech startup activities related to this research.

Preferred Student Status

Junior
Senior
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