Social DNA

What is Social DNA?

Social DNA refers to DNA configurations in Holochain that encode social rules, community agreements, and collective decision-making processes directly into the application layer. Unlike traditional technical DNA that defines data structures and validation logic, Social DNA encapsulates the social contracts, governance mechanisms, and reputation systems that enable communities to self-organize and make decisions collectively.

Core Concepts

DNA as Social Constitution

Traditional DNA                    Social DNA
├── Data Types                    ├── Community Rules
├── Validation Logic              ├── Decision Mechanisms  
├── Network Rules                 ├── Reputation Systems
└── API Functions                 └── Collective Intelligence

Social DNA extends traditional DNA with:

• Community Agreements: Encoded social contracts and behavioral expectations
• Governance Mechanisms: Decision-making processes and voting systems
• Reputation Systems: Merit-based influence and trust networks
• Conflict Resolution: Mediation and dispute resolution protocols
• Collective Sensemaking: Community-driven information validation

Social Layer Architecture

// Social DNA structure
pub struct SocialDNA {
    // Technical foundation
    pub technical_dna: DNA,
    
    // Social layer
    pub community_charter: CommunityCharter,
    pub governance_rules: GovernanceRules,
    pub reputation_system: ReputationSystem,
    pub decision_processes: DecisionProcesses,
    pub conflict_resolution: ConflictResolution,
}

Community Governance Patterns

Consensus Mechanisms

Holistic Consensus

// Holistic consensus implementation
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn propose_decision(proposal: CommunityProposal) -> ExternResult<ProposalHash> {
    // Validate proposal against community charter
    validate_proposal_against_charter(&proposal)?;
    
    // Create proposal entry
    let proposal_hash = create_entry(&proposal)?;
    
    // Initiate consensus process
    initiate_holistic_consensus(proposal_hash, &proposal)?;
    
    // Link to active proposals
    create_link(
        community_anchor()?,
        proposal_hash.clone(),
        LinkTypes::ActiveProposal,
        LinkTag::from("active")
    )?;
    
    Ok(proposal_hash)
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn participate_in_consensus(
    proposal_hash: ProposalHash,
    participation: ConsensusParticipation
) -> ExternResult<()> {
    // Validate participant eligibility
    let agent_info = agent_info()?;
    validate_consensus_eligibility(&agent_info, &proposal_hash)?;
    
    // Record participation
    let participation_entry = ParticipationEntry {
        proposal_hash: proposal_hash.clone(),
        agent: agent_info.agent_pubkey,
        participation_type: participation.participation_type,
        reasoning: participation.reasoning,
        timestamp: sys_time()?,
    };
    
    create_entry(&participation_entry)?;
    
    // Update consensus state
    update_consensus_state(proposal_hash, participation)?;
    
    Ok(())
}

Sociocratic Decision Making

// Sociocratic consent-based decisions
#[derive(Clone)]
pub struct SociocraaticDecision {
    pub proposal: Proposal,
    pub objections: Vec<Objection>,
    pub consent_level: ConsentLevel,
    pub decision_circle: CircleId,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn sociocratic_decision_round(
    proposal_hash: ProposalHash,
    round_type: DecisionRoundType
) -> ExternResult<DecisionRoundResult> {
    match round_type {
        DecisionRoundType::PresentProposal => {
            present_proposal_to_circle(proposal_hash)?;
        }
        DecisionRoundType::ClarifyingQuestions => {
            process_clarifying_questions(proposal_hash)?;
        }
        DecisionRoundType::ReactionRound => {
            collect_initial_reactions(proposal_hash)?;
        }
        DecisionRoundType::ConsentRound => {
            assess_consent_and_objections(proposal_hash)?;
        }
    }
    
    Ok(evaluate_decision_outcome(proposal_hash)?)
}

Reputation and Merit Systems

Contribution-Based Reputation

#[derive(Clone, SerializedBytes)]
pub struct ReputationScore {
    pub agent: AgentPubKey,
    pub domain_scores: HashMap<Domain, f64>,
    pub overall_score: f64,
    pub contribution_history: Vec<ContributionRecord>,
    pub peer_endorsements: Vec<Endorsement>,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn record_contribution(
    contribution: ContributionRecord
) -> ExternResult<ReputationUpdate> {
    // Validate contribution authenticity
    validate_contribution_proof(&contribution)?;
    
    // Calculate reputation impact
    let reputation_delta = calculate_reputation_impact(&contribution)?;
    
    // Update contributor's reputation
    let updated_reputation = update_agent_reputation(
        contribution.contributor.clone(),
        reputation_delta
    )?;
    
    // Record in contribution history
    create_entry(&contribution)?;
    create_link(
        contribution.contributor.clone(),
        hash_entry(&contribution)?,
        LinkTypes::Contribution,
        LinkTag::from(contribution.domain.to_string())
    )?;
    
    Ok(ReputationUpdate {
        agent: contribution.contributor,
        new_score: updated_reputation,
        change: reputation_delta,
    })
}

Peer Recognition Networks

#[hdk_extern]
pub fn endorse_peer(
    endorsement: PeerEndorsement
) -> ExternResult<EndorsementHash> {
    // Validate endorsement authenticity
    let endorser_info = agent_info()?;
    validate_endorsement_authority(&endorser_info, &endorsement)?;
    
    // Check for endorsement limits
    validate_endorsement_limits(&endorser_info.agent_pubkey, &endorsement)?;
    
    // Create endorsement entry
    let endorsement_hash = create_entry(&endorsement)?;
    
    // Link endorsement to both parties
    create_link(
        endorsement.endorser.clone(),
        endorsement_hash.clone(),
        LinkTypes::EndorsementGiven,
        LinkTag::from(endorsement.domain.to_string())
    )?;
    
    create_link(
        endorsement.endorsed.clone(),
        endorsement_hash.clone(),
        LinkTypes::EndorsementReceived,
        LinkTag::from(endorsement.domain.to_string())
    )?;
    
    Ok(endorsement_hash)
}

Collective Intelligence Systems

Distributed Sensemaking

Information Validation Networks

#[derive(Clone)]
pub struct CollectiveSensemaking {
    pub information_items: Vec<InformationItem>,
    pub validation_network: ValidationNetwork,
    pub consensus_filters: ConsensusFilters,
    pub knowledge_synthesis: KnowledgeSynthesis,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn submit_information(
    info_item: InformationItem
) -> ExternResult<InformationHash> {
    // Create information entry
    let info_hash = create_entry(&info_item)?;
    
    // Initiate validation process
    initiate_collective_validation(info_hash.clone(), &info_item)?;
    
    // Link to information stream
    create_link(
        information_stream_anchor()?,
        info_hash.clone(),
        LinkTypes::PendingValidation,
        LinkTag::from("needs_validation")
    )?;
    
    Ok(info_hash)
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn validate_information(
    info_hash: InformationHash,
    validation: InformationValidation
) -> ExternResult<()> {
    // Validate validator credentials
    let validator_info = agent_info()?;
    validate_information_validator(&validator_info, &info_hash)?;
    
    // Record validation
    let validation_entry = ValidationEntry {
        information_hash: info_hash.clone(),
        validator: validator_info.agent_pubkey,
        validation_result: validation.result,
        evidence: validation.evidence,
        confidence: validation.confidence,
        timestamp: sys_time()?,
    };
    
    create_entry(&validation_entry)?;
    
    // Update collective assessment
    update_information_consensus(info_hash, validation)?;
    
    Ok(())
}

Wisdom Aggregation

#[hdk_extern]
pub fn synthesize_collective_knowledge(
    topic: KnowledgeTopic
) -> ExternResult<KnowledgeSynthesis> {
    // Gather relevant information items
    let information_items = gather_topic_information(&topic)?;
    
    // Weight information by validation scores
    let weighted_items = weight_by_collective_validation(information_items)?;
    
    // Apply synthesis algorithms
    let synthesis = SynthesisAlgorithms::apply_multiple(&weighted_items, &[
        SynthesisMethod::ConceptMapping,
        SynthesisMethod::PatternRecognition, 
        SynthesisMethod::ConsensusWeighting,
        SynthesisMethod::DiversityBalancing,
    ])?;
    
    // Create synthesis entry
    let synthesis_hash = create_entry(&synthesis)?;
    
    // Link to knowledge base
    create_link(
        knowledge_base_anchor()?,
        synthesis_hash,
        LinkTypes::KnowledgeSynthesis,
        LinkTag::from(topic.to_string())
    )?;
    
    Ok(synthesis)
}

Community Self-Organization

Dynamic Role Assignment

#[derive(Clone)]
pub struct CommunityRole {
    pub role_id: String,
    pub responsibilities: Vec<Responsibility>,
    pub required_reputation: ReputationThreshold,
    pub term_duration: Duration,
    pub selection_process: SelectionProcess,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn propose_for_role(
    role_proposal: RoleProposal
) -> ExternResult<RoleProposalHash> {
    // Validate eligibility
    let candidate_info = agent_info()?;
    validate_role_eligibility(&candidate_info, &role_proposal.role_id)?;
    
    // Create proposal entry
    let proposal_hash = create_entry(&role_proposal)?;
    
    // Initiate selection process
    let role_config = get_role_configuration(&role_proposal.role_id)?;
    match role_config.selection_process {
        SelectionProcess::Election => {
            initiate_role_election(proposal_hash.clone(), &role_proposal)?;
        }
        SelectionProcess::Merit => {
            evaluate_merit_selection(proposal_hash.clone(), &role_proposal)?;
        }
        SelectionProcess::Sociocratic => {
            initiate_sociocratic_selection(proposal_hash.clone(), &role_proposal)?;
        }
    }
    
    Ok(proposal_hash)
}

Adaptive Governance Evolution

#[hdk_extern]
pub fn propose_governance_evolution(
    evolution_proposal: GovernanceEvolution
) -> ExternResult<EvolutionHash> {
    // Validate evolution proposal
    validate_governance_evolution(&evolution_proposal)?;
    
    // Assess community readiness
    let readiness_assessment = assess_community_readiness(&evolution_proposal)?;
    
    if readiness_assessment.readiness_score < 0.7 {
        return Err(wasm_error!("Community not ready for governance evolution"));
    }
    
    // Create evolution proposal
    let evolution_hash = create_entry(&evolution_proposal)?;
    
    // Initiate evolution process
    match evolution_proposal.evolution_type {
        EvolutionType::RuleModification => {
            initiate_rule_modification_process(evolution_hash.clone())?;
        }
        EvolutionType::ProcessImprovement => {
            initiate_process_improvement(evolution_hash.clone())?;
        }
        EvolutionType::StructuralChange => {
            initiate_structural_evolution(evolution_hash.clone())?;
        }
    }
    
    Ok(evolution_hash)
}

Conflict Resolution Systems

Restorative Justice Protocols

#[derive(Clone)]
pub struct ConflictResolution {
    pub conflict_id: ConflictId,
    pub parties: Vec<AgentPubKey>,
    pub mediators: Vec<AgentPubKey>,
    pub resolution_process: ResolutionProcess,
    pub agreements: Vec<ResolutionAgreement>,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn initiate_conflict_resolution(
    conflict: CommunityConflict
) -> ExternResult<ConflictResolutionHash> {
    // Validate conflict report
    validate_conflict_report(&conflict)?;
    
    // Select appropriate mediators
    let mediators = select_conflict_mediators(&conflict)?;
    
    // Create resolution process
    let resolution_process = ConflictResolution {
        conflict_id: conflict.id.clone(),
        parties: conflict.involved_parties.clone(),
        mediators,
        resolution_process: ResolutionProcess::RestorativeJustice,
        agreements: Vec::new(),
    };
    
    let resolution_hash = create_entry(&resolution_process)?;
    
    // Initiate mediation process
    initiate_restorative_mediation(resolution_hash.clone(), &conflict)?;
    
    Ok(resolution_hash)
}

Community Healing Processes

#[hdk_extern]
pub fn facilitate_community_healing(
    healing_process: HealingProcess
) -> ExternResult<HealingOutcome> {
    // Assess community trauma/tension
    let tension_assessment = assess_community_tensions(&healing_process.affected_areas)?;
    
    // Design healing intervention
    let healing_design = design_healing_intervention(tension_assessment)?;
    
    // Facilitate healing circles
    let healing_outcomes = Vec::new();
    for circle in healing_design.healing_circles {
        let circle_outcome = facilitate_healing_circle(circle).await?;
        healing_outcomes.push(circle_outcome);
    }
    
    // Synthesize healing outcomes
    let overall_outcome = synthesize_healing_outcomes(healing_outcomes)?;
    
    // Record healing process
    create_entry(&overall_outcome)?;
    
    Ok(overall_outcome)
}

Implementation Patterns

Social DNA Development

// Social DNA builder pattern
pub struct SocialDNABuilder {
    community_charter: Option<CommunityCharter>,
    governance_mechanisms: Vec<GovernanceMechanism>,
    reputation_systems: Vec<ReputationSystem>,
    decision_processes: Vec<DecisionProcess>,
}
 
impl SocialDNABuilder {
    pub fn new() -> Self {
        Self {
            community_charter: None,
            governance_mechanisms: Vec::new(),
            reputation_systems: Vec::new(),
            decision_processes: Vec::new(),
        }
    }
    
    pub fn with_charter(mut self, charter: CommunityCharter) -> Self {
        self.community_charter = Some(charter);
        self
    }
    
    pub fn add_governance(mut self, mechanism: GovernanceMechanism) -> Self {
        self.governance_mechanisms.push(mechanism);
        self
    }
    
    pub fn build(self) -> Result<SocialDNA, SocialDNAError> {
        let charter = self.community_charter
            .ok_or(SocialDNAError::MissingCharter)?;
            
        Ok(SocialDNA {
            community_charter: charter,
            governance_mechanisms: self.governance_mechanisms,
            reputation_systems: self.reputation_systems,
            decision_processes: self.decision_processes,
        })
    }
}

Community Bootstrap Process

#[hdk_extern] 
pub fn bootstrap_social_community(
    bootstrap_config: CommunityBootstrap
) -> ExternResult<CommunityHash> {
    // Create founding charter
    let charter_hash = create_entry(&bootstrap_config.founding_charter)?;
    
    // Establish initial governance
    for mechanism in bootstrap_config.initial_governance {
        create_entry(&mechanism)?;
        create_link(
            charter_hash.clone(),
            hash_entry(&mechanism)?,
            LinkTypes::GovernanceMechanism,
            LinkTag::from("active")
        )?;
    }
    
    // Initialize reputation system
    bootstrap_reputation_system(&bootstrap_config.reputation_config)?;
    
    // Activate community
    let community = ActiveCommunity {
        charter_hash: charter_hash.clone(),
        activation_timestamp: sys_time()?,
        founding_members: bootstrap_config.founding_members,
        initial_roles: bootstrap_config.initial_roles,
    };
    
    let community_hash = create_entry(&community)?;
    
    // Create community anchor
    create_link(
        community_anchor()?,
        community_hash.clone(),
        LinkTypes::ActiveCommunity,
        LinkTag::from("bootstrap_complete")
    )?;
    
    Ok(community_hash)
}

Advanced Social Patterns

Multi-Scale Governance

// Nested governance structures
pub struct MultiScaleGovernance {
    pub individual_autonomy: IndividualRights,
    pub small_group_dynamics: SmallGroupProcesses,
    pub community_governance: CommunityGovernance,
    pub inter_community_federation: FederationGovernance,
}
 
#[hdk_extern]
pub fn coordinate_multi_scale_decision(
    decision: MultiScaleDecision
) -> ExternResult<CoordinatedOutcome> {
    // Determine appropriate governance scale
    let governance_scale = determine_decision_scale(&decision)?;
    
    match governance_scale {
        GovernanceScale::Individual => {
            process_individual_decision(decision)?
        }
        GovernanceScale::SmallGroup => {
            process_group_decision(decision).await?
        }
        GovernanceScale::Community => {
            process_community_decision(decision).await?
        }
        GovernanceScale::Federation => {
            process_federation_decision(decision).await?
        }
    }
}

Evolutionary Governance

#[hdk_extern]
pub fn evolve_governance_system(
    evolution_trigger: GovernanceEvolutionTrigger
) -> ExternResult<EvolutionOutcome> {
    // Detect evolution pressure
    let evolution_pressure = assess_evolution_pressure(&evolution_trigger)?;
    
    if evolution_pressure.magnitude < EVOLUTION_THRESHOLD {
        return Ok(EvolutionOutcome::NoChangeNeeded);
    }
    
    // Generate evolution proposals
    let evolution_proposals = generate_governance_mutations(&evolution_pressure)?;
    
    // Community selection process
    let selected_evolution = community_select_evolution(evolution_proposals).await?;
    
    // Implement governance evolution
    let evolution_outcome = implement_governance_evolution(selected_evolution)?;
    
    // Monitor evolution success
    schedule_evolution_assessment(evolution_outcome.clone())?;
    
    Ok(evolution_outcome)
}

Related Concepts

• DNA - Technical foundation that Social DNA extends
• Community Governance - Governance patterns and mechanisms
• Reputation Systems - Merit and trust-based influence networks
• Collective Intelligence - Community sensemaking processes
• Conflict Resolution - Community healing and mediation

External Resources

• Holochain Community Governance Patterns
• Social Architecture Design
• Collective Intelligence Systems
• Restorative Justice in Digital Communities