Name: The Web as random acts of kindness
Uploaded: 2009-09-21T01:00:00Z
Duration: 19 min 35 s
Description: Feeling like the world is becoming less friendly? Social theorist Jonathan Zittrain begs to differ. The Internet, he suggests, is made up of millions of disinterested acts of kindness, curiosity and trust.

Feeling like the world is becoming less friendly? Social theorist Jonathan Zittrain begs to differ. The Internet, he suggests, is made up of millions of disinterested acts of kindness, curiosity and trust.

The Web as random acts of kindness

Far from eroding human connection, the Internet is powered by countless small acts of trust and generosity. When Pakistan accidentally blocked YouTube worldwide, volunteer engineers quickly rallied to restore access, without pay or recognition. Platforms like Wikipedia and CouchSurfing depend on strangers collaborating and caring for each other's experience. These examples reveal that, beneath the headlines, digital spaces often inspire people to help, share, and protect one another.

The Internet Thrives on Everyday Acts of Kindness and Trust

*The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It*