Debate about social media: We believe that social media has done more harm than good

This lesson plan is about organizing a classroom debate. We are not — this is crucial — organizing a discussion. A debate differs from a discussion because it is structured and has clear rules:

• The debate topic is worded as a proposition that some speakers will support and some will oppose. There is no working towards a compromise; one team wins, and the other loses;
• In this version of formal debate (adjusted for classroom use), we have two participating teams (proposition and opposition);
• Debaters cannot choose which side they represent in a debate - the sides (proposition and opposition) are assigned randomly with a coin flip:
• The rules clearly specify who speaks when and for how long.

For a classroom debate, we propose the following format:

• Each team has three speakers, who will each hold a 4-minute speech;
• During the main speeches (but only after the first 30 seconds and before the last 30 seconds of the speech), the opposing team can stand up and offer a question. Every speaker must accept and answer one question from the opposing team. Alternatively, you can have a 1-2 minute time slot for questions after each speech – we recommend this option if you want to engage more students and if your students are new to public speaking and might be intimidated by interruptions;
• The students who are not delivering speeches act as debate adjudicators.

First speakers (on both sides) should set up the debate and provide the initial arguments. Setting the debate means establishing the main definitions and clarifying the debate (for more information, see the lesson plan “Motion analysis”). Second speakers should bring in final arguments, respond to the opposing team’s arguments, and rebuild their first speaker’s arguments. Third speakers should analyze all arguments, respond to their opponents, and rebuild their own argumentation. In other words, they should provide an overview of what happened in the debate and why their team won.

The rest of the class should serve as debate adjudicators. They should be taking notes and weighing proposition and opposition arguments. Instruct them to be objective and to evaluate only the speeches they’ve heard, putting aside their personal opinions and/or arguments and examples they would have used as debaters.

If you want to engage the students more actively, you can always adapt the proposed format to fit more students - have 6 students per team, and have each of them deliver a 2-minute speech. A separate pair of students per team can also be used for asking and answering questions. If you are curious about more classroom debate formats, we recommend reading the “Debate in Classroom” chapter in the Melita Methodological Guide.

After you form the teams, they should have time to prepare. Students who are not debating should also participate in preparing arguments.

Students can use textbooks and the internet while researching for their arguments. If your students are still struggling, we recommend you pause their group work and do a quick brainstorm as a class, making a note of all the reasons to propose and oppose the motion.

To the extent possible, the students should try to build arguments independently. If they are struggling, use any of the arguments listed below to give them an idea of what an argument for or against this motion could look like.

Proposition

Definitions:

Social media includes websites and apps allowing users to create and share content or have conversations. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

1st argument: Social media can have a negative impact on mental health.

Explanation:

Over-use of social media can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with one's own life because the things we post on social media tend to be the highlights of our days/weeks and if the mundane routine of our life does not compare positively, we will feel bad, even though we might rationally be aware of this.

Example:

Studies have shown that excessive use of social media is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Impact:

This can result in an increase in mental health issues that harm individuals and society.

2nd argument: Social media has negatively impacted personal relationships.

Explanation:

a) Social media can foster a constant comparison and validation-seeking culture, leading to feelings of jealousy and inadequacy among users. This happens because of reasons described in the previous arguments (a good opportunity to link arguments together!).

b) Additionally, social media can be a major source of distractions, leading to neglect of important relationships in real life.

Example:

A study found that people who use social media excessively are significantly more likely to feel socially isolated than those who use it in moderation.

Impact:

This can lead to personal relationships falling apart or losing importance and increase feelings of isolation, loneliness, and jealousy among individuals.

3rd argument: Social media has contributed to the rise of cyberbullying.

Explanation:

Social media provides anonymity and a lack of accountability, which can make it easier for individuals to engage in bullying behavior. Additionally, social media allows for bullying to happen all the time and in any place, making it harder for victims to escape the abuse.

Example:

The majority of students report being cyberbullied at least once, with most of the bullying taking place on social media platforms.

Impact:

This can lead to serious psychological and emotional harm for victims, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

Opposition

1st argument: Social media has increased access to information and knowledge.

Explanation:

Social media platforms provide a means for people to share and access information on a wide range of topics, including news, current events, and educational content. Additionally, social media can serve as a platform for experts to share their knowledge and insights, further educating the masses.

Example:

Social media users tend to be more likely to be informed or at least aware of current events than non-users.

Impact:

This can lead to more informed and educated individuals, and can also contribute to the democratization of knowledge, as information is more widely accessible.

2nd argument: Social media has improved communication and connectivity.

Explanation:

Social media platforms provide a means for people to easily connect and communicate with one another, regardless of physical distance. Additionally, social media can serve as a platform for building and maintaining relationships, both personally and professionally.

Example:

If nothing else –materials produced within this MeLitA project were the work of an international team and communication about it flowed through social media as well.

Impact:

This can lead to stronger and more meaningful relationships, and can also contribute to the strengthening of communities, both online and offline.

3rd argument: Social media has helped to strengthen marginalized voices and promote social causes.

Explanation:

Social media platforms provide a means for people to share their stories and perspectives, and also to amplify marginalized voices. Additionally, social media can serve as a platform for promoting social causes, raising awareness and facilitating social change.

Example:

Social media played a crucial role in the Arab Spring, where oppressed citizens were able to coordinate and organize protests and eventually bring about regime change.

Impact:

This can lead to greater awareness and understanding of important social issues, and can also contribute to the advancement of social justice and human rights causes.

The debate takes place; some students debate, the others take notes and adjudicate.

1. Who do you think won the debate and why?
2. What would you do differently?
3. Did your opinion on the topic change after watching the debate?