An optimization server with associated databases for use in social networks utilizes previous interactions and other factors and parameters to optimize a user's level in a social network. The optimization server may be configured to proactively and/or reactively optimize a user's level in a social network by selecting previous social network instances, merging data from the selected instances into a single social network data representation, determining the shortest path between originating and recipient nodes in the network, and assigning a default level for the recipient node based on the shortest path. Additional optimization parameters may be applied to increase or decrease the recipient node's default network level (within certain optionally established limits for change). Various parameters that may be utilized to optimize the social network may include, but are not limited to, user parameters, content classification, user classification, distribution history, existing FOAF definitions, and other external data.