On October 30, 2026, a debate titled "The Impact of Social Media on
Real-Life Communication" took place at METU University as part of English
Language Week. Students from groups РЭТ-26-1.1к and ТиПП-26-1.1к participated
in the debate, which was moderated by Torebek Sh.Zh., a lecturer at the
Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines and World Languages. The main
topic for discussion was the impact of social media on real-life communication
- an issue that is more relevant than ever for the younger generation.
First-year students enthusiastically joined the discussion, demonstrating not
only a high level of English proficiency but also a deep understanding of the
problem. During the heated debate, speakers from both teams presented
compelling arguments. The proposing side emphasized that digital platforms
break down geographical boundaries, helping people find like-minded individuals
and stay connected at a distance. In turn, the opposing team argued that
excessive immersion in the virtual world diminishes the quality of real-life interaction,
creating merely an illusion of closeness.
The audience did not stay on the sidelines either: student spectators
actively asked the speakers interesting and unexpected questions, forcing the
participants to defend their positions on the spot and go beyond their prepared
points. The event demonstrated that despite the rapid development of social
media, nothing can replace the value of live dialogue, reasoned debate, and the
genuine support of like-minded peers.