Showing 2 of 2 debates
Social media platforms should require real identity verification
As someone who works directly with victims of online harassment and cyberbullying, I've witnessed the devastating real-world consequences of anonymous digital cruelty. When people can hide behind fake profiles, they often feel emboldened to engage in behaviors they would never consider in face-to-face interactions. I've sat with teenagers who've attempted suicide after relentless anonymous harassment, and with parents whose children were targeted by predators using false identities. Requiring real identity verification doesn't mean eliminating privacy - platforms could still allow display names and pseudonyms while keeping verified identities private from other users. This system would create accountability without stifling legitimate expression. Critics worry about whistleblowers and activists, but secure verification systems could protect these users while still deterring bad actors. The technology exists to balance safety with privacy rights. We've normalized a digital environment where cruelty thrives behind masks of anonymity. Real identity verification would restore the human connection that makes us treat each other with basic dignity, while still preserving the democratizing power of online platforms.
Youth sports should prioritize fun and development over winning at all costs
Having coached hundreds of young athletes, I've witnessed firsthand how an obsession with winning can crush a child's love for sports and damage their self-worth. When we make everything about trophies and championships, we rob kids of the joy that drew them to the game in the first place. I've seen too many talented players quit by age 14 because the pressure became unbearable, and parents screaming from sidelines turned what should be play into stress. Sports at the youth level should teach life lessons - resilience, teamwork, effort, and grace in both victory and defeat. These lessons stick with kids long after they hang up their cleats. When we emphasize development over winning, kids learn to push through challenges, support teammates, and find satisfaction in personal growth. Yes, competition matters and kids should learn to compete, but the scoreboard shouldn't define their worth or our coaching success. The real victory is when a player who struggled all season finally makes that shot, or when a shy kid finds their voice as a team leader. That's character building that lasts a lifetime.