Building Bridges of Light: How the Internet Connects Hearts

A long, long time ago (like, 100 years ago), the world was huge.

If you lived in Nairobi, and you wanted to talk to someone in Tokyo, you couldn't. It was impossible. They were too far away. You might as well try to talk to the moon.

If you wanted to send them a message, you had to write a letter on paper. You put it in an envelope with a stamp. Only a ship carried it across the ocean. It took months! By the time they got your letter saying "Happy Birthday," their birthday was long gone.

Today, we have magic.

We have wrapped the entire planet in a web of invisible light. We call it The Internet.

The Global Village

Because of this web, the world has shrunk. It is now a "Global Village."

You can click a button and face-time your cousin in London. You can play Minecraft with a friend in Brazil. You can watch a video filmed by a scientist in Antarctica.

Limitless distance has vanished.

This means that for the first time in human history, we can all talk to each other.

This is a huge deal! It helps us understand that we are not so different.

• A kid in China likes video games, just like you.
• A kid in America hates homework, just like you.
• A kid in Egypt loves ice cream, just like you.

We are all just humans living on one blue marble floating in space. The internet helps us see that.

Bridges Need Maintenance

Imagine a bridge made of glass. It is beautiful, but it is fragile. If you stomp on it, or throw rocks at it, it will crack.

The internet is a bridge. It relies on Trust.

When people are mean online—when they act like trolls, or bullies, or liars—they are throwing rocks at the bridge. They are making it unsafe. They are making people want to stay on their own side.

But when you are kind online, you are strengthening the bridge.

• When you leave a nice comment on someone's art: "Wow, great drawing!"
• When you help a newbie in a game: "Here, take this potion."
• When you share a funny joke to make people laugh.

You are adding light to the bridge. You are making it safe for others to cross.

Be a Light-Walker

Here is your mission:

When you log on, imagine you are stepping onto the Bridge of Light.

Ask yourself: "Am I leaving footprints of kindness? Or am I leaving mud?"

Use this superpower to learn. Use it to make friends. Use it to explore the cultures of the world.

Don't use it to hurt. Don't use it to hide.

Let's keep the bridge bright, beautiful, and open for everyone. Let's hold hands across the oceans.