Debate: Facebook is a danger to society

Posted by DAVID BC TAN under: Extra-curricular Activities on 14 Jul 2009.

26 June 2009 Debate.  So what went down at the Facebook face-off between our homeschoolers and the students of a learning centre? Here’s Daniel’s report:

Facebook is ubiquitous – you either are using it or know someone who does.

Recently, two groups of three – the Junior Public Speaking Club (JPS) from Subang and the Grace Resource Centre (GRC) from Petaling Jaya, debated one another on the motion that “Facebook is a danger to society.” For the motion was GRC, and against was JPS.

Held at the Junior Public Speaking club’s homeground, the Subang Jaya Gospel Centre, the debate certainly attracted a sizable crowd, including a contingent from Grace Resource Centre that was present to support their lively debaters with (equally lively) cheers and chants. Group leader, Tetsuo Takahara flanked by Justine and Ryan Tan represented GRC.

The home team’s members, on the other hand, were demure and seemingly relaxed. Helmed by Eshan Jayatilaka along with Joshua Bester and Kevin Tan – all dressed as though at a job interview – the JPS debaters studied their notes and remained generally unexcited, in stark contrast to the opposing team

Once the formalities were done, the debate started off promptly enough, with both teams cutting to the chase. Grace Resource Centre began, with Tetsuo leading the charge, taking issue with several problems with Facebook – such as the negative social and physical effects of spending too much time on Facebook (and less in the real world), inappropriate content that can be found on Facebook, as well as its privacy and security issues.

The Junior Public Speakers countered with their main thesis – that there is nothing inherently dangerous about Facebook itself; that it is a tool that can be used for both good and irresponsible ways. In an especially eloquent speech, Kevin Tan noted that many things can be used for bad, or “hijacked, but does that mean we do away with airplanes?”

They went on to cite many useful features of Facebook, such as its ability to connect and mobilize people (drawing examples from Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign) as well as noting that Facebook is constantly improving its service to help filter out harmful content and safeguard the privacy of its users.

In response, the proposing team acknowledged the few benefits of Facebook, but maintained that the bad far outweighed the good – Facebook in its present form was dangerous and harmful for the reasons mentioned above. The opposing team, in rebuttal, likewise maintained their position that Facebook had no inherent harm, and that it was a useful tool for good that has benefited many of its users.

With the speeches over, the judges left the hall to deliberate and the floor was opened for questions. A few audience members stood up to ask questions of the debaters, but the sparks really started to fly when the proposing team seized the chance to continue the debate, which led to a lengthy exchange between Ryan and Eshan on Facebook’s security flaws.

The judges returned and if there was any nervousness and excitement for the results, everyone certainly did well to conceal it.

The head judge, Mr. Chong, came up to deliver a short speech praising the debaters for their effort and courage. And the result was announced – the Junior Public Speaking team were declared the winners, with the best speaker award going to member Kevin Tan.

On a parting note, Eshan asked all the debaters to reveal their true position on the matter. With a tinge of irony, the debaters from Grace revealed that they were regular Facebook users and didn’t see much of a problem with it while the JPS debaters either did not have a Facebook account or thought that Facebook was a waste of time.

With the prizes handed out and the judges looking on bemused at this revelation, the debate adjourned with both teams going out in cheerful spirits congratulating one another. The writer, who was also the debate moderator, found the debate enjoyable enough and hopes that the ones to follow will be even more spirited, perhaps this time by ensuring that the teams are actually on the right side in the debate!

Photos: (Top to bottom) JPS speakers against the motion; Grace Center speaker Tetsuo at the mike; Grace Center speakers for the motion; the three honourable judges, Mr Daljit Singh, Mr Chong Phow Yew, Ms Diana Dawson; a view of the audience; group photo (minus one judge) with the writer standing in front left.

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This report was submitted by homeschooler and ex-JPS president Daniel Dusanjh.  (Read the 23 June post for details about the JPS Club, also writtern by Daniel)

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