You need look no further than the day’s news headlines, or your social media feed, to notice that the world has the potential to be a really dark and negative place sometimes. Throw in a few social media trolls, cyber bullies, keyboard warriors and general online jerks, and you’d be forgiven for wondering where on earth humanity is heading. Perhaps straight to the depths of hell?
But we’re here to tell you that it’s really not all doom and gloom. There are actually plenty of examples of internet interactions that glow bright in the darkness of it all. If you’re struggling to find them, look no further than an online community called “Gates Open, Come On In.” Over 373,000 people have joined the page, which has only two rules: “No gatekeeping” and “Be nice!” It sounded promising to us so we took a step in… We were greeted by a wall of positive posts about strangers having each other’s backs online.
Because sharing is caring, Bored Panda has put together our favorites, just for you. Keep scrolling and allow the weight of the world to disappear. Feel free to come back to them any and every time you need a reminder that things aren’t all as bad as they might seem.
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Inclusion
Never Realized This But I Love It
Every Job Is Valid!
With more than 5.6 billion people using the internet, it’d be unrealistic to expect to find only positive posts and interactions between strangers. There’s a massive mix of personalities, cultures, religions, beliefs, and of course, moods. So there are bound to be some, if not many, clashes. Plus, let’s be honest. Not everyone likes being kind and decent.
As Kinsey Featherston wrote for Neptune Navigate, "the internet has become a modern day Wild West, and what we really need is a digital sheriff to ride into town and restore order to the virtual frontier."
Brooklyn Librarians Subverting Censorship & Allowing Any Teenager In America To Have A Library Card
Dogs And Cats My Favorite Animals
Depression Gateopening
Luckily, there are more than enough people who go the extra mile to make others feel like someone who matters. They inspire with their positivity, and sometimes send ripples of goodness across the world wide web, as strangers share their posts with other strangers and friends. There have been cases where a simple post has changed someone's day, and sometimes even, their life.
It's Not Pie. If You Think It Is, We Can Bake More
An Oldie But A Goodie :)
It's Never Too Late
Never underestimate how much of an impact your posts could have on someone else. Positive or negative. “Consider, for instance, the act of leaving a supportive comment on a post by someone who has been subjected to online hate. By doing so, you offer a lifeline of positivity in a sea of negativity,” writes LGBTQ+ rights activist, Desi Napoles.
“Your small gesture demonstrates to the individual that they are not alone in their struggles and that kindness exists even in the digital world. This single act can inspire others who witness it to follow suit, creating a domino effect of compassion and support that extends beyond the digital realm and permeates real-life interactions.”
Finally Someone Who Gets It!
Live And Let Live
Almost Hald Me At The First Alf
According to HealthLine, there a a few reasons why we might not lend a hand to someone we don’t know. “Maybe it’s the bystander effect, which leads us to assume that others will take on the personal responsibility of assisting another person in need, often resulting in mutual inaction,” health/stories-of-kindness-of-strangers#Oftentimes-gestures-of-kindness-only-require-one-thing-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">notes the site. “Or it’s because we’re easily preoccupied with ourselves — with our own lives and our own daily struggles.”
But it’s necessary to remember that we’re not alone, adds the site. Whether in joy or pain…
Happy Lunar Year Everyone
Great Story About Fitting In
Its Lovely
One of the easiest ways to brighten someone's day is with a simple smile. And maybe a 'hello.' You might be the first and only person to do that for them... Another small gesture is holding the door open, or letting someone with less groceries than you skip the queue.
"Though it may seem like common courtesy, holding a door open is a genuine sign of care," notes HealthLine. "Especially when it comes to mothers with strollers, those in wheelchairs, or anyone who’s got their arms full. This small gesture can make someone’s life a little easier, even for just a moment."
Just Let Them Be They
This One Was Nice
I Like These Too
Healthline also suggests that you make a habit of donating used items. You never know who might need what you were about to throw in the trash. Your pre-loved goods may mean the world to someone out there.
On a similar note, you might encounter someone who has no food, or is a few pennies short at the till. Carry cash on you so you're always ready to help if or when needed.
One for the ladies is to keep a tampon or sanitary pad on you. It might really come as a godsend for anyone who has Mother Nature pull up in a red Ferrari unexpectedly.
This Felt In The Spirit Of This Sub
Good Parentin
That's His Whole Thing
As per Health Line, one of the best ways to always be ready to help a stranger is to be aware of your surroundings. "The best way to combat the bystander effect is by being self-aware and paying attention," reads the site. "Take note of your surroundings and the people in it, and don’t hesitate to approach someone who may be in distress."
