Debate Competition

Guidelines for Debate Competition

Topic: Influencers: A Positive Influence on Society and Culture 

Concept Note:

In today’s world, social media influencers are vital in defining modern marketing and social interactions. These content creators, ranging from micro-influencers to famous celebrities with millions of followers, have changed how knowledge, trends, and consumer behaviors circulate across society. Their carefully crafted information has a tremendous impact on purchase decisions and setting standards of behaviour. Although many influencers emphasize authenticity by discussing their financial experiences and pushing for sustainable spending habits and has the potential to inspire and educate audiences, resulting in more thoughtful consumer choices. However, it is critical to recognise the possible risks connected with this development. Constant exposure to curated, often lavish lifestyles can instill unrealistic expectations and increase social comparison anxiety, especially among younger viewers. These digital personas have a far-reaching influence, influencing society's values, communication techniques, and marketing. As the distinction between online and offline experiences becomes more blurred, it is critical to recognise and effectively manage the influence of social media influencers. By doing so, we may create healthier digital environments and foster better social interactions, eventually navigating the changing terrain of social media with an emphasis on mental health and educated consumer behaviour.

For the Motion: Influencers are a Positive Influence in Society and Culture. 

Social media influencers have become pivotal figures in shaping public opinion and trends as well as promoting consumerism. As they attract numerous followers and engage audiences through relatable content and aspirational lifestyles, their reach and impact are undeniable. However, it is crucial to understand that their influence and impact often leans toward fostering consumerism and presenting unrealistic lifestyles. Influencers carefully curate their online personas, showcasing an idyllic version of their lives, emphasising perfection, success, and material wealth. They frequently use photo editing tools and filters to enhance their images, creating a polished and often distorted representation of reality. The pressure to achieve similar levels of success, beauty, or happiness can lead to significant stress and anxiety, ultimately impacting the mental health and well-being of individuals in their audience. For instance, the psychological effects, such as self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, result from the constant comparison with the content creators, thus highlighting the darker implications of the influencer culture on social media

Against the Motion: Influencers are a Negative Influence on Society and Culture.

Many social media influencers prioritize genuine interactions and authentic content- real connections with their audience by sharing personal stories, struggles, and achievements. They often promote positive values such as mental awareness, environmental consciousness, and social justice. Influencers also collaborate with small business and local artisans, promoting unique and handmade products that support local economics and reduce mass consumerism. Many influencers provide valuable educational content, such as tutorials, DIY projects, and informative videos on various topics, enriching the knowledge and skills of their audience.

Rules and Regulations:

Constitution of the teams:

1. The competition is open to all bonafide students of Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate students of the participating colleges/institutions. The participants must produce their institutional ID card during registration.
2. One participant must be sent from each institution. Names have to be submitted to Tetso College by 27th February, 2025.
3. The teams (for and against), and sequence of speakers will be decided a day in advance of the debate on the basis of draw-of-lots, therefore all debaters have to present on campus for this.
4. If there are more than 12 participants in all, a preliminary round will be held on the 28th of February (Friday) in Tetso College. In this case, the institutions will be informed two days before the preliminary round.

The Flow of the Debate:

The Speeches (marks awarded for this):

1. There will be only one round. The debate will open with the team supporting the motion, followed by a member of the opposing team.
2. The opening speaker (chosen by draw-of-lots) from each team, will get additional time (4+1: Warning bell at 4.5 minutes) to set the tone for the debate, in affirmation or negation of the motion as the case may be.
3. The duration given to each speaker will be 4 minutes (warning bell at 3.5 minutes).

Question/Answer round (marks not awarded for this):

1. After all speakers have addressed the audience, each team will get the chance to ask two questions to the opponent team. The question must be to the point, short, direct, and not in the form of a statement.
2. Anyone from the opposing team can answer the question in 3 minutes.

Summation (marks not awarded for this):

1. At the end of the debate, the opening speakers will summarize their team’s views on the motion, beginning with the leader opposing the motion. The time allotted for this purpose shall be 3 minutes.

Other Rules:

1. Negative points may be awarded for violating the established norms of the debate.
2. Use of props (paper chits, clipboards, digital devices, etc.) will not be permitted. Debaters MUST NOT read their arguments.
3. Exceeding the time limit will result in negative marking.
4. No heckling, harassment, or vulgarity is allowed at any time during the debate. The decorum of the house has to be maintained by all debaters.
5. Unparliamentary gestures, words, and actions will not be tolerated and will result in either disqualification or negative marking.
6. In case of dispute in judgement, the matter shall be referred to the honourable judges, whose decision shall be final and binding.

Event In-Charges:

1. Dr. Temsukumla Ao (Asst. Prof, School of Social Sciences)
2. Email: temsukumla@tetsocollege.org
3. Phone: +91 88373 49195
4. Dr. Prithibi Pratibha Gogoi (Asst. Prof, Dept. of Sociology)
5. Email: ppratibha@tetsocollege.edu.in
6. Phone: +91 99588 72322