Shillong, June 2026: As part of its year-long celebrations marking 125 years of educational excellence, St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School organised an Inter-School Debate Competition on the motion, “Digital Convenience Has Made People Less Patient and More Impulsive.”
Held under the leadership of Principal Fr. Anthony Kharkongor, the event brought together students from various schools, providing a platform for intellectual discourse on the influence of digital technology on modern human behaviour.
A total of 28 participants took part in the competition, representing both the Treasury and Opposition sides. The debate was moderated by Melbond Lyngdoh, while a panel of judges evaluated the participants based on content, argumentation, delivery, and overall presentation.
Arguing in favour of the motion, the Treasury team maintained that the rapid growth of social media, instant messaging, online shopping, and other digital conveniences has cultivated a culture of instant gratification. They contended that easy and immediate access to information and services has diminished patience and encouraged impulsive decision-making, with people increasingly expecting quick results in all aspects of life.
The Opposition team, however, argued that digital technology has significantly improved productivity, efficiency, and access to knowledge. They asserted that impatience and impulsiveness are longstanding human characteristics that cannot be attributed solely to technological advancement. According to the speakers, digital tools have enabled individuals to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and accomplish tasks more efficiently than ever before.
The competition witnessed lively exchanges, well-researched arguments, and insightful perspectives from both sides, highlighting the participants’ understanding of contemporary issues in an increasingly digital society.
The debate formed part of the school’s broader efforts to foster critical thinking, public speaking, and intellectual engagement among students while celebrating its historic 125-year legacy of service in the field of education.
