Rising above twenty competitors representing various colleges from across the state, Khyochamo Yanthan of Tetso College won the 13th inter-collegiate debate competition on, ‘Smartphones are making us smarter’, at Sazolie College in Kohima.
The speakers for the motion defended that smartphones have made life easier and more convenient. From payment of bills to online shopping and accessing healthcare services, everything seems to be in our fingertips, they opined. They stated that much information could be obtained from the internet through smartphones that people at present do not even need formal trainings to develop their skills. Smart phones have also brought together and connected people from different cultures. It has transformed the world and ‘life is in our pocket,’ they asserted.
Speakers from the opposition bench however disagreed and stated that excessive use of smartphones has created health hazards like insomnia, hallucinations, abnormal obsessions and bizarre behaviour. It has reduced creativity and IQ. It has taken away ability to analyse, think clearly and do even simple calculations, they refuted.
Excessive use of smartphones might even be encouraging people to engage in anti-social and unwanted behaviours, they added. They also opined that Smartphones may be connecting people but many have lost the ability to connect with others on a personal level in the real world.
The critic and the judges gave their feedback after the debate. On the pros and cons of smartphones, they all commented that smartphones have so many good things to offer, however, it all depends on the users, whether it is used wisely to make lives more effective and smarter, or abuse it and reduce the quality of lives.
Participants speaking against the motion acquired 1852 points and won the debate, whereas the speakers for the motion could garner 1789 points.
The first position was bagged by Khyochamo Yanthan of Tetso College, while Viketono Jacika of Sazolie College and Neipukhrienuo Pienyü of Baptist College were tied in second position. Tokhuo Humtsoe of Eastern College got the third position.
The critic for the event was Likok Sangtam, a documentary filmmaker. The judges were Arep Tzüdir, youth pastor at Kohima Ao Baptist Church; Theja Meru, entrepreneur and musician; and Tongpang L Jamir, a lawyer.