The Luverne Rotary recognized three Luverne Middle School students as winners of the club’s annual Four-Way Test essay contest.
The contest introduces students to the test, which asks four questions to gauge whether thoughts, works and actions are appropriate.
Students were asked to incorporate the four questions into their essays.
Questions are: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Anna Banck, daughter of Tim and Becky Banck, was selected as the essay winner. Her winning essay is printed below.
Runner-up was Ella Hoogendorn. Hannah Kempema won third place. All students are in the sixth grade.
Do You Think Before You Post? By Anna Banck
Most everyone my age uses social media and texting to talk to their friends. Some kids don’t think before they post a picture or send a message.
About 20 years ago they used to call each other or just talk in person. It is a lot easier to send or post something fake or mean in a text rather than saying it to their face. This is why you should think about the Four-Way Test before you send or post something.
First, ask yourself, “It is the Truth?” Do you know for sure that what you are putting out there is truthful? If not, it could really hurt someone’s feelings.
Next, “Is it fair to all concerned?” Does your message or image say or show bad things about others? You also should get permission from others to post something about them. Never just assume that they will say yes.
Then ask yourself, “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” Will people want to be your friend after things you post? Will they think your post is nice and good?
Lastly, “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Is your post going to make them feel good and happy or will it make them sad or mad? Is it beneficial to your friendship with them? Will it result in something good?
So, the next time you want to post or send something on social media, make sure you take the Four-Way Test into consideration before you post or send. If everyone took the Four-Way Test into consideration, then there wouldn’t be cyber bullying or negative posts or comments and everybody would be so much happier on social media.