A social network for affecting personal behavior is provided. The
psychological and behavioral progress of a registered user of the social
network is maintained. The social network provides the registered user
with friends who can track the user's progress and encourage the user by
communications with the user. The friends of the user can be anybody,
including people who are not registered with the social network. A
dynamic mechanism for grouping different users into support groups is
also provided. The grouping is based on the user's progress, satisfaction
with the user's supporters, and the user's traits and preferences.
User-customized profiles are used to elucidate user traits instead of
standard direct forms to avoid incorrect or misleading responses to the
forms. In addition, a wireless portable device in communication with the
social network of friends and supporters is provided for constant access
to sources of motivation.