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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?

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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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    ​​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."

    #5

    Brooklyn Librarians Subverting Censorship & Allowing Any Teenager In America To Have A Library Card

    Tweet from Goodable about Brooklyn Public Library offering cards to teens nationwide for ebook access, combating censorship.

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    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.

    #8

    It's Not Pie. If You Think It Is, We Can Bake More

    Magnetic letters on a fridge conveying a message about equal rights and fairness for all in a wholesome way.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are a few people who come to BP who do not understand this at all.

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    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. 

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    “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.”

    #12

    I Like These Too

    Wholesome online comments about having a gay son and being hit on by a gay guy with humor and support.

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    John Mosley
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to a gay club for halloween with a group of friends and my girlfriend. She had to use the restroom and while she was gone a guy made a pass at me. I was flattered! He was a good looking guy, real boost to my self esteem :).

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    #13

    Happy Lunar Year Everyone

    Two tweets discussing Lunar New Year celebrations, showcasing online support and inclusivity.

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    Armac
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So we’re censoring a man’s name now?🤷🏽‍♂️

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    #14

    Finally Someone Who Gets It!

    Man expressing support for wage equality online, celebrating workers' victories.

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    Tobias Reaper
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    those who give us burgers must be celebrated those who fix powerlines that enable us to have burgers must be protected all must be protected and burgers enjoyed

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    #15

    This One Was Nice

    Person with red hair receives positive comment online, showcasing wholesome support.

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    Joe Reaves
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a fan of their music, but I'm beginning to really like Metallica for their attitude.

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    #17

    This Felt In The Spirit Of This Sub

    Pflugerville Library post correcting a typo: no snakes at event, only snacks. Wholesome online clarification.

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    #19

    Live And Let Live

    Cat meme and supportive text about embracing unique interests and creativity in art shared online.

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Told my kids that it doesn't matter how old you get. If you still like playing with toys, like watching things like MLP or PawPatrol it doesn't matter. Like what you like and don't let anyone tell you different (as long as it's legal). Then I went back to watching Shaun the Sheep

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    #20

    Good Parentin

    Tweet about family support, highlighting a dad teaching his child bravery in choosing to ride or not ride a roller coaster.

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    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    19 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope she told the dad. I was at Wawa (it's a cross between a bodega and a sandwich shop) with my then 6 year old. They have these monitors where you place your order, and my daughter was asking me all these questions about how the monitors worked. I am an engineer, so I was trying to answer in a way that a 6 year old would understand. They also asked about the power button and wanted to press it to see it work. I told them not to press it because it would make it hard for the next customers. This woman walks over to me and tells me that she's a teacher, and she was loving our conversation, because I was keeping my daughter engaged and encouraging their curiosity, while also setting boundaries. Best compliment I've ever received, and I think about it a lot.

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    #23

    Saw This On The Lawn Of A Couple That Lives On My Street. Genuinely Brightened My Day

    Wholesome multilingual yard sign about welcoming neighbors, set against greenery.

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    #26

    I'm Sure Many Of Us Needed To Hear This

    Text tweet emphasizing the importance of supporting everyone's unique role in resistance.

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been active in my area's alcohol recovery community for a long time (12 years sober myself). I recently was forced to step back from those commitments in order to address some personal responsibilities. I felt really bothered by it because I was worried that it meant I was no longer being useful or of service to others. A good friend of mine reminded me that I by stepping back and taking care of my personal life meant that I was not only in a position to enjoy the gifts of my sobriety now, but I was giving someone else a chance to step up and be of service.

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    #28

    For The Waiters

    Pie chart humorously showing reasons to be polite to waiters, highlighting respect for their humanity and profession.

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    Ryan Bogdansky
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was a story that I heard where someone asked the owner of a fancy restaurant who they didn't know was the owner and just thought was a waiter, "How does it feel knowing your life is worthless and all you ever became was a waiter." I was legit so annoyed at this I had to look up cat videos for an hour.

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    #29

    Mentally Empathetic Dad

    Stick figure comic of a dad bringing food to his son, showing support and care in a wholesome way.

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    Smeghead Tribble Down Under
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was told I was ''rude'' and ''ignorant'' as a shy kid when I didn't want to be around when company came over -_-

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    #33

    Found On /R/Mademesmile, Thought It Belonged Here As Well

    Child playing in a makeshift backyard pool, showcasing a wholesome online community spirit.

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    Sarah
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m 45 and was chatting neighbour abt buying a paddling pool for our communal garden if it gets too hot in summer. Don’t care who sees me. I’ll be chilling with a book .

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    #35

    Beards Are For Everyone

    Tattooed man with a beard challenges masculine stereotypes humorously, promoting being supportive online.

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many of us used to do this with no problem, but, as we age, things get hurt easier and take much longer to heal.

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    #40

    Dolly Parton Showing Support For Beyoncé’s Country Era ❤️

    Wholesome online support, Dolly Parton praising Beyoncé’s country album with a heartfelt note.

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    #41

    Sh*tter’s Open!

    Public bathroom dispenser, supportive message against transphobia written on it, showing people having each other's backs online.

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    OzzyTheMano (They/Them)
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I peed in the women's AND the men's bathroom and nothing exploded (places should have more gender-neutral bathrooms)

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    #42

    Slow Down

    Dutch supermarket with slow checkouts for elderly, fostering community connections and support.

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    Queen Boudicca
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would be great for places that have introverted cashiers who don't want ro chat - it allows us gabby people to go to an alternate cashier.

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    #44

    The Library Loves Everybody

    Books and devices held in hands, promoting inclusivity among all types of readers.

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    Šimon Špaček
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love audiobooks. Life is sometimes rough and there is a lot I have to do, so I don't have much time for reading, but audiobooks are there when I drive, cook, wash dishes, mow garden,...

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    #47

    Metallica Invites Y’all To Come On In

    Person making a funny face with Metallica shirt, alongside supportive online comments highlighting people having each other's backs.

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    JD
    Community Member
    21 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's weird how some fans act like the band/singer/etc actually has a pecking order to their fandom, when in reality money and attention are the same no matter if you're casual or hard core. The entertainers don't f*****g care.

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    #48

    At The Minnesota United Game Last Night

    Crowd holding a large "You Belong Here" banner, showing online support in a stadium setting.

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    Meowzers!
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great view of the game for the fans behind the banner. I'm guessing they took it back up before the start.

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    #50

    Japan/America Cultural Exchange

    Wholesome online exchange embracing cultural appreciation between American and Japanese communities.

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    Moo
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with Korean culture!! I'm a white American majoring in Korean, and it's been /so/ cool how kind and encouraging and welcoming people have been. The only people who act weird about it are other white people

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    Note: this post originally had 92 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think about the impact of online communities promoting positivity?

    They create a safe space

    They have a minimal effect

    They are necessary for mental health

    They are overrated