The shifting debate

Presentation of the activity

The moving debate allows trainees to position themselves in the room in relation to a question raised by the supervisor. This exercise is interesting because it encourages trainees to participate and be dynamic.

The aim of the exercise is to encourage young people to reflect on their digital practices and Internet law.

Note: The question does not necessarily have to polarize and divide participants; it will become apparent that on many issues, opinions are not clear-cut.

Activity schedule

1. Preparing the room: Divide the young people into a single group

2. Using a visual aid (PowerPoint projected onto a screen or white wall), the instructor shows a controversial post on social media (for example, a post with an insulting comment from a user) and asks the trainees to physically position themselves in the room, saying: “Those who think we have the right to do this on one side, those who think we don’t have the right on the other.” No one can stay in the middle.

3. The trainees take their positions

4. Once the participants have taken their positions, they must justify and explain their positions, either voluntarily or using other tools for speaking up (passing a ball, for example). When one side has given an argument, it is the other side’s turn to express an argument. If a participant considers an argument from the opposing side to be valid, they can change sides.

5. At the end of the debate and explanations, another question will be proposed and participants will move again, until the end of the exercise.