Open to Debate Taping Three Programs at Aspen Ideas 2023, Debating The FDA, Kids on Social Media, and Erasing Bad Memories

At this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival, nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate (formerly known as Intelligence Squared U.S.) will be holding three live debate tapings for programs to be aired on public radio and beyond.

The first, on June 23 as part of Aspen Ideas: Health, asks “Is the FDA Too Cautious?” The second, on June 25 during Festival 1, asks “Is Social Media Bad for Kids’ Mental Health?” The third, on June 27 during Festival 2, asks “Should We Erase Bad Memories?”

The events are open both to Aspen Ideas Festival attendees and to the general public through individual tickets (Social Media and Bad Memories only). Find more info on all three debates below.

Friday, June 23, 9:00am–10:00am, East Lawn Tent

Debate #1: Is the FDA Too Cautious?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlantic criticized the US Food and Drug Administration for moving too slowly to approve vaccines with the provocative headline “The Death Toll of Delay.” Not long before, National Public Radio ran a piece titled “One-Third of New Drugs Had Safety Problems After FDA Approval.” As the agency tries to move safe and effective drugs as quickly as possible to patients who need them, it also needs to maintain the diligence and rigor necessary to prevent harms. Two experts look at the pace of FDA approvals and argue about whether the agency is getting it right.

• Arguing YES: Colin Hill, CEO & Co-Founder, Aitia

• Arguing NO: Peter Lurie, Former Associate Commissioner for Public Health Strategy and Analysis at the FDA

Sunday, June 25, 8:15pm–9:15pm, Hotel Jerome Ballroom - tickets

Debate #2: Is Social Media Bad for Kids’ Mental Health?

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential negative consequences on children's mental well-being. Even recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory stating there’s a risk of profound harm to children’s and adolescents' mental health and well-being. Those who agree claim that excessive social media usage can make children experience low self-esteem and negative body image, and cyberbullying and online harassment can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Those who disagree say that when used responsibly and with proper guidance, social media can enhance social and creative skills, foster a sense of belonging, provide access to valuable educational resources, and help support communities.

• Arguing YES: Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media.

• Arguing NO: Candice Odgers, professor of psychological science and informatics at University of California, Irvine Emmy Award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

Tuesday, June 27, 6:30pm–7:30pm, Hotel Jerome Ballroom – tickets

Debate #3: Should We Erase Bad Memories?

In the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Kate Winslet’s character erases painful memories of her ex-boyfriend. Could this be possible in real life? Neurotechnology, like decoded neurofeedback, offers ways to modify or erase unpleasant memories. Advocates believe it could improve mental well-being and heal emotional trauma. Forgotten memories could lead to a happier life. However, opponents raise ethical and biological concerns, as it interferes with natural processes and could compromise our sense of self. Bad memories shape leaders, inspire artists, and motivate underdogs; tampering with them may undermine authenticity and hinder social change, they argue.

• Arguing YES: Nita Farahany, author of The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology

• Arguing NO: Sigal Samuel, senior reporter for Vox Future Perfect