What happened to the role of debate on conventions and why do you think this is the case?

Answer 1

The role of debate on conventions has diminished in many contexts due to the rise of social media and polarized political environments, where soundbites often replace in-depth discussions. As audiences increasingly favor quick, digestible content, substantive debate can be overshadowed by sensationalism and emotional rhetoric. This shift may also be driven by a growing mistrust in traditional media and institutions, leading to an emphasis on personal narratives over collective discourse. As a result, the quality of public debate has often declined, impacting civic engagement and informed decision-making.