The Internet, these days has become like a bad neighborhood, almost always causing a ruckus and a cesspool of trolls and troublemakers. Or is it? This past week, I blogged about my ongoing troubles with my new MacBook Pro 16, and since then I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit of random strangers. Whether it is on Twitter, or on Instagram or via emails, so many folks have offered tips, tricks and hacks to figure out my problems.

I am still blown away that people would take the time from their day, and offer help. The same Internet that serves up haters and toxic commentators also brings to us these generous souls. We just have to start to focus on the good people – the ones who want to make the Internet a better place. I read this article by Dan Hon earlier today and just wanted to highlight some bits that reflect my own thinking on the idea of “the good people.”

 A global communications network now exists that’s cheap enough or in some cases even free to access, offering a pseudonymous way for people to feel safe enough to share a private experience with complete strangers? ……This is the thing that makes free, open, networked communication brilliant.

I think this is why so many older technologists are upset and lost and afraid about where we are now, because so many of us have seen and experienced this good connection, and we’re worried — rightly! — that too much bad is happening. Too many people are getting hurt, and it feels like it’s getting too easy to do harm and to hurt other people in this space. 

I don’t want to lose sight of the good. I want to remember the hard, positive moments of growth and connection that networked computers have provided and continue to provide, because if we lose sight of that, that’s a terrible tragedy. I want everyone to be lucky enough to experience these moments, to have as many chances as possible for their entire lives.

Dan Hon