Shillong: Students squared off in Shillong this Saturday to argue if social media helps or hurts a healthy democracy. The Zenith Jubilee Club hosted the Dr MM Das Memorial Inter-School and Higher Secondary Level Debate Competition at Laban Bengalee Boys Higher Secondary School. Twenty-six students from 13 schools joined the fray.
The debate centered on the motion: Social media does more harm than good for a healthy democracy. Participants analyzed how these platforms shape public opinion. They noted how quickly information travels. They also flagged the dangers of unverified news hitting the feed. Manas Chaudhuri, the former Education Minister, served as the debate speaker.
Students pointed to the recent Assam floods as a prime example of digital utility. Real-time updates reached people fast. This speed helped rescue and rehabilitation efforts move forward. The group acknowledged that such constant flow of data was impossible before social media arrived. They emphasized the need to verify content before sharing it.
The competition forced students to confront the trade-offs of modern communication. Participants explored the potential risks of instant influence. They weighed those against the massive benefits of staying informed. The event aimed to build critical thinking skills among the youth. The organizers stated, "The competition provided students from 13 schools with a platform to engage with a contemporary issue affecting democratic discourse, while encouraging them to develop and present arguments on both the benefits and potential risks associated with the growing role of social media."
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