Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, co-creators of Upworthy and authors of the NYT Best Seller 'Good People,' dive into the power of storytelling that champions kindness and humanity. They discuss the importance of promoting uplifting narratives in a world overwhelmed by negativity. Their journey from social media to publishing highlights over 100 inspiring stories that remind us of the impact of small acts of kindness. Emphasizing a mindful 'media diet,' Lucia and Gabriel inspire listeners to engage with positive content and foster a compassionate community.
Sharing uplifting stories amidst social media negativity highlights human decency and fosters hope, positively transforming individual perceptions.
The 'triple ripple effect' of kindness illustrates how small acts benefit the giver, receiver, and observers, creating a collective uplift in communities.
Deep dives
The Joy of Thoughtful Gifting
Thoughtful gifting is celebrated as a significant aspect of the holiday season, particularly the joy of surprising loved ones with gifts they would not choose for themselves. There is an emphasis on finding quality items at affordable prices, highlighting a specific brand as a go-to choice for luxurious gifts that don't break the bank. Personal anecdotes about the speaker's experience with high-quality sweaters reflect the satisfaction of receiving and giving such gifts. This approach aims to encourage people to indulge in gifting that brings joy and adds a touch of luxury to everyday life.
Uplifting Narratives as a Counterbalance
The importance of sharing uplifting stories to provide a counterbalance to negative narratives prevalent in media and social platforms is underscored. By focusing on acts of kindness and human decency, platforms promoting positive content inspire feelings of hope and connection among audiences. This movement seeks to remind individuals that there is a wealth of compassion and light in the world that often goes unnoticed amidst the chaos. The goal is to shift perspectives, encouraging people to recognize and appreciate the goodness in humanity.
The Triple Ripple Effect of Kindness
The transformative power of kindness is articulated through what is termed the 'triple ripple effect', which highlights the benefits for both the giver and receiver of good deeds, as well as observers who witness these acts. Kindness not only elevates the well-being of those directly involved, but it also spreads positivity to bystanders, creating a collective uplift. Observers of kindness feel motivated to engage in good deeds themselves, perpetuating a cycle of compassion and connection. This emphasizes the profound impact of small, everyday acts of kindness on broader communities.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perspectives
The discussion revolves around the dual nature of social media, recognized as both a tool for connection and a source of overwhelming negativity. It is crucial to cultivate a conscious media diet that prioritizes uplifting and constructive content rather than engagement through outrage or fear. Encouraging a more balanced use of social platforms can enhance individual well-being and foster healthier interactions in real life. Ultimately, the aim is to empower individuals to use their influence positively, opting to spread kindness instead of negativity.
We talk a lot about the bad side of social media, but what about the good stuff? Sharon sits down with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, the creators of the viral Instagram account, Upworthy, to discuss their uplifting and thought-provoking NYT Best Selling book, “Good People.” Together, they explore the power of sharing stories that shine a light on human decency, giving us a much needed break from the negativity that often dominates our feed. What’s the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? Or the teacher who had the most impact on your life? Those are the stories Gabe and Lucia want to highlight.