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Do you ever find yourself staring at your computer, hoping for a great site with interesting content to just pop out at you? Whether you are looking for inspiration, videos or a bit of good doing, what follows is a thorough recommendation of seven of the best websites to check out in 2014.
1. UPWORTHY
A relative newcomer on the online scene, Upworthy is taking the world of viral videos by storm with eye-catching headlines on current events and politics. The site’s many curators cull content from all over the Internet, sparking debate and addressing social issues.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Stand out sensational titles and killer content.
GO HERE: If you are looking for a video that will challenge the way you think, daily.
2. SOULPANCAKE
Launched by Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight from The Office, Soulpancake is a media platform intent on creating discussion about art, spirituality, creativity and philosophy - all with a good dose of humor. The site features videos, conversations, activities and challenges.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Eight-year old Kid President, SoulPancake’s breakout star – becoming a YouTube sensation with his inspiring message of making the world more awesome (with the help of Beyonce and President Obama).
GO HERE: For a deeper take on life with a chuckle.
3. TAKE PART
The socially-conscious website is a division of Participant Media who produced such incredible films as An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc., Waiting for Superman and more. With daily features ranging from news and lifestyle to opinion pieces, the original content aims to spark positive change.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Their standout section Take Action, is a place where anyone can sign a petition or add their voice to a worthy social cause.
GO HERE: To gain a greater understanding of the world and lend your voice to enact change.
4. OPEN CULTURE
Helmed by Stanford Dean Dan Colman, Open Culture is a treasure trove of curated educational and cultural content. Mind stimulating and brain bending, Open Culture leads you to entries about the inner workings of artists or recently unearthed historic footage, complete with detailed and intelligent information about each item.
BEST KNOWN FOR: High brow, original, off-the-grid curated content. The site also offers free learning and entertainment with online courses from leading universities, movies, audio books, eBooks and free language lessons.
GO HERE: To get a hit of culture and little known facts about some of the most creative iconic figures throughout history.
5. HUFFPOST GOOD NEWS
This smiley section of the online news giant Huffington Post really makes it easy to see that there are positive things happening in the world every day. The HuffPost section covers a range of uplifting and inspirational stories from sweet puppies to heroic rescues (note: Goodnet has been a proud contributor of stories to HuffPost Good News).
BEST KNOWN FOR: Highlighting the good stuff that doesn’t always make it to the front page.
GO HERE: For a happy pick-me-up, reinforcing the idea that the news need not be all doom and gloom.
6. TREEHUGGER
For up-to-date green news, with a focus on technology, design and green living, Treehugger is the destination. The stated goal of the site is to “drive sustainability mainstream,” and its easy-to-read content and catchy titles can get anyone interested in the environment.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Being a one-stop shop for environmental solutions and product information.
GO HERE: To inspire your environmental knowledge and inclination.
7. HOOPLAHA
This recently-launched media platform has a very clear objective: to make you smile! The site curates stories, pictures and videos from the web – all with a positive spin.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Producing original videos that are uplifting and inspiring, ranging from new holiday traditions to emotional homecomings.
GO HERE: When a smile is just what you need right now.
