TECH4GOOD
The noise is almost at its peak, although the elections are still about two months away. Recent national events have added to the deafening pitch, and everyone seems to struggle to navigate the smoke-filled national political landscape. It has become challenging to distinguish what is factual from misinformation with all the echo chambers provided by social media.
Election time in the Philippines is always full of polarized discourse. This is the time when the Rotary Four-Way Test can offer a timeless ethical framework for fostering communication that unites rather than divides. Its principles — truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit — serve as a moral compass for navigating complex conversations with integrity and empathy. However, well-meaning communication also requires selective emphasis, carefully highlighting shared values while de-emphasizing divisive elements, even if factual, to avoid deepening societal rifts. Everyone should aim to create dialogues that build bridges, nurture understanding, and inspire collaboration across differences.
The Rotary Four-Way Test, a 24-word ethical framework, has been a cornerstone of moral decision-making for all Rotarians since its creation in 1932. It has become a globally recognized tool for fostering ethical practices in personal, professional, and business contexts. Its four guiding questions — Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? — provide a powerful lens through which all of us can communicate effectively and harmoniously.
The first question, “Is it the ‘truth’?” underscores the importance of honesty and accuracy as the foundations of trust. Misinformation and falsehoods erode trust and create divisions. In national discourse, presenting verifiable facts and avoiding sensationalism is paramount. This does not mean ignoring complex issues, but rather addressing them with integrity and transparency. It becomes easier to establish a common ground for dialogue by prioritizing truthfulness.
The second question, “Is it ‘fair’ to all concerned?” compels us to consider the impact of our words on everyone. It encourages us to be inclusive and empathetic, recognizing that different individuals and groups may have varying perspectives and needs. Fairness involves giving everyone a voice and ensuring that all viewpoints are respectfully considered. This also means being mindful of potential biases and striving for balanced representation.
The third tenet, "Will it build ‘goodwill’ and ‘better friendships’" emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships. Communication should aim to unite, not divide. This requires a conscious effort to avoid inflammatory language, personal attacks, and divisive rhetoric. Instead, we should focus on finding common ground and building bridges of understanding.
Finally, “Will it be ‘beneficial’ to all concerned?” directs us to consider the long-term impact of our messages. Effective communication should focus on collective well-being rather than individual gains and promote shared prosperity. This involves focusing on solutions that benefit everyone, rather than advocating for narrow self-interests. In the end, it will make it easier to align diverse interests toward shared goals.
An interesting question arises, however. Should we highlight all facts even if they will hurt some sectors? This is where the prudence of selective emphasis comes in. While truthfulness is paramount, not all truths need equal emphasis in national discourse. Highlighting certain facts — particularly those that are inflammatory, divisive, presented out of context, or with malicious intent — can undermine harmony and goodwill.
Certain facts may stir up strong emotional responses that impede constructive conversations. For example, focusing solely on the peace and order and poverty incidents without acknowledging initiatives to address the situation can create a distorted and fear-driven narrative. By carefully framing such topics within the Four-Way Test’s principles of fairness and goodwill, communities can discuss them more productively. The goal is not to suppress truth, but to present it using language that builds bridges rather than walls.
The Rotary Four-Way Test provides a timeless framework for ethical decision-making and effective communication. Promoting truthfulness, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit helps create an environment where diverse perspectives coexist harmoniously. However, applying these principles also requires discretion — some truths may need to be approached with sensitivity to avoid divisiveness. Not all truths need equal emphasis. Highlighting divisive facts can promote polarization, heighten emotions, and hinder progress toward shared goals. Instead, focusing on inclusive, empathetic dialogue and constructive framing ensures that communication builds trust and unity while addressing challenges effectively.
The election landscape in the Philippines is usually highly polarized. Social media has made it easy to spread misinformation and AI-generated deepfakes. However, the Rotary Four-Way Test can serve as a beacon of ethical clarity to help us navigate national challenges more effectively while fostering unity and understanding among Filipinos.
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: [email protected])