Tips for practicing temperance in the Digital Age | Opinion

When Temperance and Good Citizenship Day was founded in the 1920s, there was specific idea about what we meant by “temperance.” While the idea of alcohol abstinence by law may seem dated now, the broader idea of moderation is still relevant.

We face new challenges: Boundless information — and, more alarmingly, disinformation — floods our screens. In this era, a different kind of temperance is needed — a mindfulness of media consumption, a critical eye for truth, and a commitment to responsible online citizenship.

Think of your typical day. Scrolling through endless news feeds, bombarded by headlines designed to provoke and divide. We curate echo chambers, reinforcing our own biases while drowning out dissenting voices. We share “facts” gleaned from dubious sources, fueling outrage and suspicion. Like overindulging in a potent drink, this digital binge-fest leaves us dizzy, disoriented, and prone to making poor decisions.

The consequences are stark. Election cycles drown in a sea of rumors and fabrications, eroding trust in democratic processes. Online hate, unchecked, festers and explodes into real-world violence. We become complicit in this digital mob, spreading negativity, and tearing down instead of building up.

So, how do we break free from this intoxication of information? How do we reclaim our agency and become responsible digital citizens? Researchers at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public recommend an easy process to remain temperate online: SIFT, or Stop, Investigate, Find and Trace.

1. Stop and reflect: Before you impulsively share that headline or article, take a moment to breathe. Consider your emotional response. Was it triggered by the sensationalism often used to grab attention? Don’t hit share until you’ve done your due diligence.
2. Investigate the source: Who’s behind the information? Research the author and publisher, checking their background, mission, and potential biases. Use lateral reading to see what other sources say about them. Go beyond their own “About Us” page and verify their reputation independently.
3. Find broader coverage: Don’t rely on a single source. Look for other articles or reports on the same topic, especially from trusted news outlets or fact-checkers such as FactCheck.org, Snopes.com, or the Washington Post Fact Checker. See if the original claims are corroborated or disputed elsewhere.
4. Trace the origins: Does the article reference quotes or research? Follow the links to trace them back to their original sources. Make sure the information is being fairly represented and not taken out of context. Remember, headlines and snippets can be misleading. Always read the original source to see the full picture.

By following these four steps — Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace — you can become a more responsible sharer and combat the spread of misinformation online. Remember, critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism are your best tools.

Finally, we must become proactive agents of change. Report malicious content, flag harmful language, and support platforms that prioritize truth and civility. We can advocate for digital literacy education, empowering young minds to navigate the online world with discernment.

The principals of Temperance and Good Citizenship Day remain timeless. Today, we face a new kind of intemperance: an addiction to information, amplified by algorithms and fueled by our own biases. Only through mindful consumption and responsible engagement can we build a safer, more informed, and truly democratic digital society.

Let this Temperance and Good Citizenship Day be a call to action. Let us raise a glass, not to the endless scroll, but to a digital citizenship of temperance, critical thinking, and responsible engagement.

Mary Hall is the Thurston County Auditor.