Thought For The Day – Tuesday 10^th February 2026

Today is “Safer Internet Day”.

The theme is: “Smart technology, safe choices:  Exploring the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence”.

The Internet, the “World Wide Web”, is, to a certain extent, a library in the pocket, though it is certainly not the wonderful experience of an actual physical library.

The Internet can be a place of communication, education, support, and understanding.  Its very existence would astonish previous generations. A “letter” sent anywhere in a second.

However, as with anything, including freedom, with great power comes great responsibility.  And, as the famous quote from Lord Action states, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”.  “Checks and balances” remain as vital as always.

We are very careful that the on-line world is ethical, healthy, legal, and safe.  For everybody, especially and including young people.

Negative algorithms can be abusive, dangerous, evil, and harmful beyond words.  Abusive, disrespectful, hateful,  and violent material is always evil, illegal, and wrong.

In recent times, we have raised money for charities, and families, like “The Molly Rose Foundation”,  campaigning for a safer Internet.

When on-line, our behaviour is as respectful as in any other context. We are kind, legal, moral, and safe in our on-line choices.  Our “digital footprint” matters and can be forever traced.

We are also super circumspect, protective,  safe and incredibly vigilant in what we share and click on and what, more to the point, we never share and never click on.

Like life generally, we stay safe on-line as well as in person and talk about any concerns, mistakes, and worries.

In recent times, the rise of “Artificial Intelligence”, like the Internet itself, brings many positive opportunities, but also serious and severe challenges as we seek to control, not be controlled by, technology.

Like the World Wide Web itself, Artificial Intelligence needs handled,  programmed and used,  legally, morally, and respectfully, with care, duty, integrity, and responsibility.

“The Golden Rule” applies here also, as we treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated.

In all the above, as we have found in recent years, the “virtual” has its limits, as people avoid living all their lives “through” or “on” their mobile telephones. Some may even practice a “digital detox” where they move away from such devices.

Ultimately, there is no substitute for personal activities, communication, conversations, dialogue, discussions,  and experiences.  Both with people and nature.