85+ Interesting Topics For Discussion For Online Engagement

Are you seeking practical online discussion questions to foster connections within your virtual community, initiate conversations during online lessons, break the ice in meetings, or engage in Q&A sessions or debates with your audience?

Whatever your purpose is. Look no further! We’ll provide a list of 85+ interesting topics for discussion that cover various subjects, including hypothetical situations, technology, gender, ESL, and many more!

In addition, these thought-provoking topics not only promote active engagement but also establish meaningful connections and stimulate critical thinking among participants.

So, let’s delve into this treasure trove of conversation starters and ignite engaging discussions.

Discussion Questions About Hypothetical Situations
Discussion Questions About Technology
Discussion Questions About The Environment
Discussion Questions ESL
Discussion Questions About Gender
Discussion Questions Lessons In Chemistry
Discussion Questions For High School Students
Discussion Questions Examples
How Do You Write A Discussion Question?
How Can AhaSlides Help You To Have A Live Q&A Session Successfully?
Key Takeaways
FAQs

Discussion Questions About Hypothetical Situations

What would you do if you could go back in time and stop your mother from doing something wrong?
Imagine a world without electricity. How would it impact communication and relationships?
What would happen if everyone’s dreams became public knowledge?
What if the social class was not determined by money or power but by kindness?
What would happen if gravity suddenly disappeared for an hour?
What if you woke up one day with the ability to control everyone’s mind? How would it change your life?
Imagine a scenario where everyone’s emotions were visible to others. How would it impact relationships and society?
If you woke up tomorrow morning and were the CEO of a global corporation, which corporation would you choose?
If you could invent a superpower, what would you want? For example, the ability to make others laugh and cry at the same time.
If you had to choose between free ice cream for life and free coffee for life. What would you choose and why?
Imagine a scenario where education was entirely self-directed. How would it affect learning and personal growth?
If you had the power to change one aspect of human nature, what would you alter and why?

>> Explore 150++ Insane Fun Debate Topics to dive into a world of thought-provoking debates and unleash your wit and creativity!

Discussion Questions About Technology

How has technology influenced the entertainment industry, such as music, movies, and gaming?
What are the potential consequences of increased automation and artificial intelligence on the job market?
Should we issue a ban on ‘deep fake’ technology?
How has technology changed the way we access and consume news and information?
Are there any ethical concerns surrounding developing and using autonomous weapons systems?
How has technology impacted the field of sports and athletic performance?
How has technology affected our attention spans and ability to focus?
What are your thoughts on the impact of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on various industries and experiences?
Are there any ethical concerns surrounding using facial recognition technology in public spaces?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom education?

Discussion Questions About The Environment

How can we tackle water scarcity and ensure clean water access for everyone?
What are the consequences of overfishing for marine ecosystems and food security?
What are the consequences of unchecked urbanization and urban sprawl on the environment?
How do public awareness and activism contribute to positive environmental change?
What are the effects of ocean acidification on marine life and coral reefs?
How can we promote sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industry?
How can we promote sustainable tourism and minimize negative impacts on nature?
How can we encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce their environmental impact?
How does sustainable urban planning contribute to eco-friendly cities?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels?

Discussion Questions ESL

Here are 15 interesting topics for discussion for ESL (English as a Second Language) learners:

What is the most challenging thing about learning English for you? How do you overcome it?
Describe a traditional dish from your country. What are the main ingredients?
Describe a traditional dish of your country that you love very much but most foreigners cannot eat.
Do you enjoy learning about other cultures? Why or why not?
How do you like to keep fit and stay healthy?
Describe a time when you had to solve a problem. How did you approach it?
Do you prefer living in the countryside or near the beach? Why?
What are your goals for improving your English in the future?
Share a favorite quote or saying that inspires you.
What are some important values or beliefs in your culture?
What is your opinion on social media? Do you use it often?
Share a funny or interesting story from your childhood.
What are some popular sports or games in your country?
What is your favorite season? Why do you like it?
Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish to prepare?

>> Read more on 140 Best English Topics For Discussion to expand your language skills and broaden your horizons!

Discussion Questions About Gender

How does gender identity differ from biological sex?
What are some stereotypes or assumptions associated with different genders?
How has gender inequality affected your life or the lives of people you know?
How does gender impact relationships and communication between people?
In what ways does the media influence our perception of gender roles?
Discuss the importance of consent and respect in relationships, regardless of gender.
What are some ways in which traditional gender roles have changed over time?
How can we encourage boys and men to embrace emotions and reject toxic masculinity?
Discuss the concept of gender-based violence and its impact on individuals and communities.
Discuss the representation of gender in children’s toys, media, and books. How does it influence children’s perceptions?
Discuss the impact of gender expectations on mental health and well-being.
How does gender influence career choices and opportunities?
What are the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals in accessing appropriate healthcare?
How can workplaces create inclusive policies and practices that support individuals of all genders?
What steps can individuals take to be allies and advocates for gender equality?
Discuss the representation of women in leadership positions and the importance of gender diversity in decision-making.

Discussion Questions Lessons In Chemistry

Here are 10 interesting topics for discussion about “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus to facilitate conversations and explore various aspects of the book:

What initially drew you to “Lessons in Chemistry”? What were your expectations?
How does the author explore the book’s complexities of love and relationships?
What are some of the conflicts faced by the characters, both internal and external?
How does the book address the concept of failure and resilience?
Discuss the depiction of societal expectations placed on women in the 1960s.
How does the book explore the concept of identity and self-discovery?
How does the book tackle the issue of sexism in the scientific community?
What are some of the unresolved questions or ambiguities in the book?
What are some of the societal expectations imposed on the characters in the book?
What are some of the lessons or messages that you took away from the book?

Discussion Questions For High School Students

Is it necessary to include personal finance education in the curriculum?
Do you think social media platforms like TikTok contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health? Why or why not?
Should schools provide free menstrual products for students?
How can social media platforms like Instagram be used as a tool to raise awareness about mental health issues?
What are some potential dangers or challenges of relying on influencers or TikTokers for mental health advice or support?
How can high schools and educators encourage critical thinking and media literacy skills among students when it comes to consuming mental health content on social media platforms?
Should schools have stricter policies regarding cyberbullying?
How can schools promote a positive body image among students?
What is the role of physical education in promoting a healthy lifestyle?
How can schools effectively address and prevent substance abuse among students?
Should schools teach mindfulness and stress management techniques?
What is the role of student voice and representation in school decision-making?
Should schools implement restorative justice practices to address disciplinary issues?
Do you think the concept of “influencer culture” is influencing societal values and priorities? How?
What are some ethical considerations surrounding sponsored content and product endorsements by influencers?

>> Still not enough? 95++ Fun Questions to Ask Students of All Ages offers lighthearted questions to kick-start the day or break the ice with your students!

Discussion Questions Examples

Several discussion question types can be used to engage participants in meaningful conversations. Here are some examples:

1/ Open-ended Questions:

What are your thoughts on […]?
How do you define success in […]?

2/ Hypothetical Questions:

If you could […], what would it be and why?
Imagine a world without […]. How would it impact our daily lives?

3/ Reflective Questions:

What was the most important lesson you learned from […]?
How has your perspective on […]?

4/ Controversial Questions:

Should […] be legalized? Why or why not?
What are the ethical implications of […]?

5/ Comparative Questions:

Compare and contrast […] with […].
How does […] differ from […]?

6/ Cause and Effect Questions:

What are the consequences of […] on […]?
How does […] impact […]?

7/ Problem-Solving Questions:

How can we address the issue of […] in our community?
What strategies can be implemented to […]?

8/ Personal Experience Questions:

Share a time when you had to […]. How did it shape you?

9/ Future-oriented Questions:

What do you envision as the […] in the next decade?
How can we create a more sustainable future for […]?

10/ Value-based Questions:

What are the core values that guide your […]?
How do you prioritize […] in your life?

These are just a few examples of the types of discussion questions. You can refer to 140 Conversation Topics That Work In Every Situation to facilitate engaging and thought-provoking conversations in various settings.

How Do You Write A Discussion Question?

Here are some steps to help you write a discussion question that stimulates thoughtful dialogue, encourages exploration of ideas, and leads to a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.

Define the objective: Clarify the purpose of the discussion. What do you want participants to think about, analyze, or explore through the conversation?
Choose a relevant topic: Select a topic that is interesting, meaningful, and relevant to the participants. It should spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Be clear and concise: Write your question clearly and concisely. Avoid ambiguity or complex language that may confuse participants. Keep the question focused and to the point.
Encourage critical thinking: Craft a question that stimulates critical thinking and analysis. It should require participants to evaluate different perspectives, consider evidence, or draw conclusions based on their knowledge and experiences.
Open-ended format: Frame your question as an open-ended prompt. Open-ended questions allow for a variety of responses and promote deeper exploration and discussion.
Avoid leading or biased language: Make sure that your question is neutral and unbiased.
Consider context and audience: Tailor your question to the specific context and the participants’ background, knowledge, and interests. Make it relevant and relatable to their experiences.

Also, you can learn more about How to Ask Questions to apply in specific situations and have techniques to have good questions.

How Can AhaSlides Help You To Have A Live Q&A Session Successfully?

Successful live Q&A sessions require clear communication, active moderation, and meaningful engagement with the audience. By using AhaSlides’ live Q&A feature, you can enhance the experience and create an interactive and informative Q&A session.

Real-time interaction: AhaSlides allows participants to submit their questions during the session in real-time. This feature encourages active engagement and enables a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Participant anonymously: Participants can submit questions anonymously. This anonymity can encourage more honest and open participation, especially when discussing sensitive or personal topics.
Upvoting system: Live Q&A feature includes an upvoting system where participants can upvote the questions they find most interesting or relevant. This helps prioritize the questions and ensures that the most popular ones receive attention.
Moderation capabilities: As the session host, AhaSlides allows you to moderate the questions, filter out any inappropriate content, and select which questions to address during the session.
Enhanced engagement: You can display the live Q&A feed on a screen or share a unique link with participants.
Post-session analytics: AhaSlides can help you export all the questions received. They allow you to review engagement levels, question trends, and participant feedback. These insights can help you evaluate the success of your Q&A session and make improvements for future sessions.

Key Takeaways

Above are 85+ interesting topics for discussion that are essential for cultivating engaging conversations and promoting active participation. These topics serve as catalysts for meaningful interactions, covering a wide range of subjects such as hypothetical situations, technology, the environment, ESL, gender, chemistry lessons, and topics suitable for high school students.

Also, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next topic, don’t forget AhaSlides can help with:

FAQs

What are some good discussion questions?

Open and thought-provoking discussion questions encourage participants to share their insights and perspectives.

For examples:

How has gender inequality affected your life or the lives of people you know?
How can social media platforms like Instagram be used to raise awareness about mental health issues?

What are the leading questions in discussions?

Leading questions are questions that steer participants toward a specific answer or opinion. They are biased and can limit the diversity of responses in a discussion.

It’s important to avoid leading questions and foster an open and inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints can be expressed.

How do you write a discussion question?

To write an effective discussion question, consider the following tips:

Define the objective
Choose a relevant topic
Be clear and concise
Encourage critical thinking
Open-ended format
Avoid leading or biased language
Consider context and audience

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