A computer-based method is provided for selectively providing notifications based on social relevance to a user. The notification is first parsed to determine a sender, a proposed recipient, and at least one topic addressed in the notification. The parsed notification is then evaluated against a social graph of the proposed recipient. A relevance score is assessed based on linkages traversed in the social graph to a predetermined degree of separation from the proposed recipient. The score is increased for linkages that match or relate to the at least one topic. The notification is released to the proposed recipient if the relevance score exceeds a predetermined threshold.