SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FILTERING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

1 . A computer-implemented method for filtering electronic communications, the method comprising:

receiving a first message directed to a user, the first message being communicated by a first messaging service and including a plurality of messaging data;

receiving from the user a selection of the messaging data within the first message;

adding the selected messaging data to a database in relation to one or more contacts of the user;

receiving a second message directed to the user from at least one of the one or more contacts, the second message being communicated by a second messaging service;

scanning the second message for the selected messaging data; and

filtering, with at least one processor, the second message from delivery to the user if the second message contains the selected messaging data.

2 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the messaging data includes one or more of textual data and image data.

3 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the selection from the user includes receiving a highlighting selection of the selected messaging data from the user.

4 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:

providing the user with an option of filtering messages having the selected messaging data from either a sender of the first message, or all of the user's contacts.

5 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:

providing the user with a mechanism for ceasing to filter messages having the selected messaging data.

6 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second messages are instant messages and the contacts are instant messaging contacts.

7 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second messages are electronic messages that originate from a plurality of social networks or communications systems.

8 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein filtering the second message includes preventing the second message from being displayed to the user in a contact list, social networking feed, or inbox, in the course of normal message delivery.

9 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein filtering the second message includes logging the second message in a secondary queue apart from a standard contact list, social networking feed, or inbox.

10 . A computer system for filtering electronic communications, the system comprising:

a database configured to store user data and selected messaging data;

a messaging server disposed in communication with the database and configured to:

receive a first message directed to a user, the first message including a plurality of messaging data;

receive from the user a selection of the messaging data within the first message;

add the selected messaging data to a database in relation to one or more contacts of the user;

receive a second message directed to the user from at least one of the one or more contacts;

scan the second message for the selected messaging data; and

filter, with at least one processor, the second message from delivery to the user if the second message contains the selected messaging data.

11 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein the messaging data includes one or more of textual data and image data.

12 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein receiving the selection from the user includes receiving a highlighting selection of the selected messaging data from the user.

13 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein the messaging server is further configured to:

provide the user with an option of filtering messages having the selected messaging data from either a sender of the first message, or all of the user's contacts.

14 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein the messaging server is further configured to:

provide the user with a mechanism for ceasing to filter messages having the selected messaging data.

15 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein filtering the second message includes preventing the second message from being displayed to the user in a contact list, social networking feed, or inbox, in the course of normal message delivery.

16 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein filtering the second message includes logging the second message in a secondary queue apart from a standard contact list, social networking feed, or inbox.

17 . The computer system of claim 10 , wherein the messaging data includes one or more of textual data and image data.

18 . A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

receive a first message directed to a user, the first message including a plurality of messaging data;

receive from the user a selection of the messaging data within the first message;

add the selected messaging data to a database in relation to one or more contacts of the user;

receive a second message directed to the user from at least one of the one or more contacts;

scan the second message for the selected messaging data; and

filter, with at least one processor, the second message from delivery to the user if the second message contains the selected messaging data.

19 . The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18 , further comprising instructions for the computer to:

provide the user with an option of filtering messages having the selected messaging data from either (1) a sender of the first message, or (2) all of the user's contacts.

20 . The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein receiving the selection from the user includes receiving a highlighting selection of the selected messaging data from the user.