Want to receive regular updates about Room for Debate discussions? Subscribe to our main RSS feed or follow us on Twitter. Interested in just one topic -- education, for instance, or politics? Subscribe to the feed for that topic by clicking on the link under Discussion Topics and receive alerts just for forums on that subject. Want to follow the twists and turns of one debate? Subscribe on that discussion page.
Updated November 28, 2016 3:02 PM
Is Digital Connectedness Good or Bad for People?
People of all ages are spending more and more time online. Does this trend improve lives or hurt them?
Recent Discussions
-
Updated November 28, 2016 3:05 PM
Is Criticism of Identity Politics Racist or Long Overdue?
Some complain of being unfairly accused of bigotry. Others say discrimination needs to be directly addressed.
-
November 22, 2016
How to Stop the Spread of Fake News
What can social media companies do to prevent misinformation from proliferating online?
-
November 21, 2016
Should the President Be Able to Block You on Twitter?
One way of avoiding offensive people on Twitter is to block them from following you. Should a president be able to do …
-
November 18, 2016
Islam, Extremism and Civil Liberties
How will the nation respond to fears of Islamist violence?
-
November 17, 2016
Would Trump’s Foreign Business Ties Be Constitutional?
For the first time, a U.S. president will have extensive business ties around the world.
-
November 16, 2016
Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?
Once again, the U.S. is faced with a president-elect who has won the electoral votes but not the popular vote.
-
November 15, 2016
Should President Obama Pardon Hillary Clinton?
In an interview on “60 Minutes,” President-elect Donald Trump said he had not decided whether to prosecute Hillary Clinton.
-
November 14, 2016
Should the Government Bring Back Trust-Busting?
Is a concentration of wealth in monopolies a threat to democracy?
-
November 9, 2016
The Future of the Democratic Party
What does the Democratic Party need to do to move forward, attract alienated voters and remain relevant?
-
November 7, 2016
Overturning Election Day Tradition
What's the most sensible way to make it easier and more likely for people to cast their ballots on the day America …
-
November 4, 2016
Are Voting Booth Selfies Fun or Dangerous?
By now you’ve heard about Justin Timberlake’s photograph at his polling station. Was he wrong to snap the pic?
-
November 3, 2016
Why Are Ballot Measures So Confusing?
Voters are often mixed up by the opaque language they face in the polling booth.
-
November 2, 2016
Taking On Militants After Acquittals in an Armed Standoff
What effect will militia members' court victory have on future confrontations?
-
October 31, 2016
The Moveable Curbside Feast
Should New York and other cities permit more food vendors?
-
October 26, 2016
A Nuclear Arsenal Upgrade
What should the trillion-dollar modernization of the U.S. reserve of nuclear weapons look like?
-
October 25, 2016
Is Trump Right About Putin?
Should the United States be less hawkish toward Russia?
-
October 24, 2016
Silicon Valley Goes to Washington
Tech companies are spending more on lobbying and hiring high-profile government officials, and the revolving door goes both ways.
-
October 21, 2016
Does ISIS Need Territory to Survive?
A military offensive on Mosul, the Islamic States's last major stronghold in Iraq, is underway. Will losing the city hurt the militants?
-
October 19, 2016
The Plant That Heals, or Kills?
Should kratom, an herbal pain reliever grown mostly in Thailand, be legal in the United States?
-
October 18, 2016
Can the U.S.-Philippine Alliance Survive Duterte?
The volatile new president has threatened to ally Manila closer to Beijing.
-
October 17, 2016
How to Energize Demoralized Voters
What can be done to get more Americans to the polls?
-
October 14, 2016
What’s Behind the Spreading Creepy Clown Hysteria?
Many of the recent menacing clown sightings are hoaxes, but they appear to be inspiring copy-cat pranks and occasional acts of violence.
-
October 13, 2016
What Did Donald Trump Reveal About Progress for Women?
A recording of the Republican candidate bragging in 2005 about his ability to sexually assault women was met with swift backlash.
-
October 11, 2016
What the Nobel Peace Prize Prizes
Should the award only be given for actual achievements, or is it important to recognize those who aspire to peace?
-
October 6, 2016
Should Every Young Athlete Get a Trophy?
Have we become too obsessed with giving out awards to everyone who plays in youth sports?
-
October 5, 2016
When Should the People’s Voice Be Trusted?
Should governments use referendums to decide crucial issues?
-
October 4, 2016
Easing the Pain of Automation
What can be done to limit the harm and spread the benefits of technology that eliminates the need for workers?
-
October 3, 2016
Can a Meme Be a Hate Symbol?
The Anti-Defamation League has added a once innocuous frog meme to its list of hate symbols.
-
September 29, 2016
Poverty, Prosperity and the Minimum Wage
Given the good news about the rise in real income and the fall in poverty, have minimum wage increases proved the benefits?
-
September 28, 2016
Should the U.S. Give Up Oversight of Internet Addresses?
A planned move to transfer control of domain names is vigorously opposed by Senator Ted Cruz and others.
About Room for Debate
In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
Suggest a Forum Idea
Room for Debate welcomes suggestions from readers: What questions should we be asking? Please e-mail us your ideas for debates, as well as experts whose insights you'd like to read.
Subscribe
- Room for Debate RSS
- Topic feeds are available from the topic pages.