ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

HARMFUL OR NOT?

Debate Club Meeting Recap

On December 19th, 2024, the Debate Club held another cordial & informative debate. Two groups, 7 and 8, debated on the prompt, "Is the advancement of Artificial Intelligence harmful to society?"

One of Group 8's speakers and member of the meeting, Aesha. (Photo Credits: Azi Solis [MEDIA OFFICER])

The club’s recent meeting discussed whether artificial intelligence was harmful or beneficial. This was the club’s last debate for the first round. The groups that had to debate were Group 7, which consisted of Liah, Faith, William, Keshone, Olivia, and Mimi, and Group 8, which consisted of Sarah, Iman, Monica, Aesha, and Hannah. Group 7 was the affirmative team, agreeing that AI is bad for humanity, whilst Group 8 was the negative team, disagreeing that AI is bad for humanity.

The first speaker from Group 8 makes their opening statements. Pictured above is Iman Abdullahi (12th grader) representing her team. (Photo Credits: Azi Solis, Media Manager)

Group 7 made their opening statement, followed by Group 8. Group 8’s opening statement was memorable, as Iman Abdullahi (12th grader) started it off with a BANG (quite literally). Grasping the audience’s attention right from the beginning, Group 8’s bold voice shone through to the audience. Before debates, judges are chosen for feedback and advice at the end. Mr. Costello urges students to keep it formal and hold the applause until the end.

Judges raise their hands to provide their point of view. Ysalba Tejada (second from the left) is pictured raising her hand. (Photo Credits: Azi Solis, Media Manager)

Group 7’s argument was also quite remarkable. The debate was very formal, including statistics and sources' names, enhancing students’ debating skills. Olivia Rosario (12th grader) led the argument with firm conviction. The competition between Group 7 and Group 8 was high, it was hard for the judges. After much consultation with each other, the winner was determined. It was Group 8. Their opening statement, argument, and rebuttal were outstanding.

Olivia & Mimi, part of team 7 (Photo Credits: Azi Solis, Media Officer)

The UHS Debate Club sparked confidence and talent in many students that were previously hidden. Throughout the first round of debates, the students garnered many skills to note. This new addition to Union High School is indeed a gem. When students were interviewed by Sundas Ali (12th grader & media representative) to describe the UHS Debate Club in 3 words, Sani Diaz (9th grade) said, “A worthwhile activity.” Students were also asked what motivated them to come to the UHS Debate Club and Saralynn Docteur (11th grade) responded, “To be honest, I go to the debate club to hear how different people explain their arguments and see what people value in a debate.” It goes without saying that many students appreciate the debate club, all thanks to Mr. Costello and Alan Mowle.

Thank you to our media officer, Sundas Ali, for the creation of this blog edition!!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse