Improving Social Connections Through Mobile Social Networks

Professional networking at in-person events plays a crucial role in career growth. However, many professionals struggle to maintain and transition these connections to online platforms like LinkedIn. Missed opportunities often arise due to challenges in tracking interactions, forgetting to add contacts, and the absence of tools that facilitate seamless networking. This paper examines how professionals network at events and the factors influencing their connection decisions. Through a comprehensive survey, we analyze networking behaviors, the use of social platforms, and the challenges faced in transitioning from offline to online transitions. Based on that analysis, we propose a mobile application that leverages Bluetooth and activity sensors to record social proximity, detect meaningful interactions, and provide intelligent recommendations for adding relevant connections. By bridging the gap between offline encounters and online professional networks, our approach enhances networking efficiency, ensuring that valuable connections made at events are sustained beyond the physical space.