What happened to the role of debate on conventions and why do you think this is the case?

The role of debate on conventions has diminished in many contexts due to the rise of social media and polarized political environments, where soundbites often replace in-depth discussions. As audiences increasingly favor quick, digestible content, substantive debate can be overshadowed by sensationalism and emotional rhetoric. This shift may also be driven by a growing mistrust in traditional media and institutions, leading to an emphasis on personal narratives over collective discourse. As a result, the quality of public debate has often declined, impacting civic engagement and informed decision-making.