Creative and Fun Discussion Topics for Online Groups

Let’s be honest, online group conversations can get dull fast. Awkward silences, tired icebreakers, and “Can you hear me?” moments? We’ve all been there.

But great discussions don’t just happen. They’re sparked. And in 2025, with remote work, hybrid events, and virtual meetups becoming the norm, keeping your group actively involved is more important than ever.

That’s where interactive presentation software comes in. With the right mix of fun questions, live activities, and visual engagement, you can turn a sleepy Zoom call into a conversation everyone wants to join.

Why Creative Discussion Topics Transform Virtual Experiences

Traditional questions often fall flat online, leading to low engagement. But creative conversation starters spark curiosity, boost interaction, and foster real connections. Stanford research shows teams using unique discussion topics see 340% higher engagement than those using standard formats. The secret? Thought-provoking questions that invite personal sharing and challenge assumptions.

The Psychology of Digital Engagement

Our brains crave storytelling and connection. Creative topics that tap into personal experiences or future goals trigger “cognitive resonance,” boosting attention and memory. In virtual settings, where physical cues are missing, engaging questions help build relationships and bridge the digital gap.

Here are some creative discussion topics, plus smart ways to use live polls, quizzes, word clouds, and open-ended questions to boost participation in your next online session.

Engaging Discussion Questions for Every Learner: From Hypotheticals to Diversity

Discussion Questions About Hypothetical Situations

1. What would you do if you could become invisible for one day?
   
2. If you had to live in a different period, which would you choose and why?
   
3. If animals could talk, which would be the most fun to chat with?
   
4. What would happen if no one ever had to sleep?
   
5. If you had one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
   
6. What would the world be like if money didn’t exist?
   
7. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
   
8. What would you do if you woke up on a different planet?
   
9. If you could only eat one food forever, what would it be?
   
10. If you had to live without the internet for a year, how would your life change?

Discussion Questions About Technology

1. How has technology changed the way we communicate?
   
2. Should smartphones be banned in schools?
   
3. Do you think social media does more harm or good?
   
4. How can technology help reduce climate change?
   
5. What would life be like without the internet?
   
6. Is artificial intelligence a threat to jobs or a helpful tool?
   
7. Should kids learn to code as early as reading?
   
8. How does technology impact mental health?
   
9. What are the pros and cons of self-driving cars?
   
10. How does technology affect relationships?

Discussion Questions About The Environment

1. What’s one habit you can change to reduce your carbon footprint?
   
2. Should plastic be banned completely?
   
3. How does climate change affect your community?
   
4. What are simple ways schools can be more eco-friendly?
   
5. Should governments do more to protect wildlife?
   
6. What happens if we continue to pollute the oceans?
   
7. How do you feel about eating plant-based foods for the environment?
   
8. Is it possible to live a zero-waste lifestyle?
   
9. How important is recycling in today’s world?
   
10. Should companies be fined for polluting?

Discussion Questions for ESL Learners

1. What’s your favorite food, and why?
   
2. Describe your hometown.
   
3. What do you do in your free time?
   
4. What’s your daily routine like?
   
5. What’s your dream job?
   
6. How do you celebrate birthdays in your country?
   
7. What’s one thing you want to learn in English?
   
8. What’s your favorite holiday, and how do you celebrate it?
   
9. What’s the weather like today?
   
10. What do you usually do on weekends?

Discussion Questions About Gender

1. How can we promote gender equality in schools?
   
2. What are some common gender stereotypes you’ve noticed?
   
3. Should toys be marketed by gender?
   
4. How can the media better represent all genders?
   
5. What challenges do women face in the workplace?
   
6. Should parental leave be equal for all parents?
   
7. How can we support people of all gender identities?
   
8. Why is gender representation important in leadership?
   
9. How can schools create gender-inclusive environments?
   
10. What role does culture play in shaping gender roles?

Discussion Questions: Lessons in Chemistry

(For book club or literature discussion)

1. How does Elizabeth Zott challenge the role of women in science?
   
2. What does the title Lessons in Chemistry mean to you?
   
3. How do gender expectations affect each character?
   
4. What role does Calvin play in Elizabeth’s life and career?
   
5. How does the book mix science with storytelling?
   
6. What are some key themes in the novel?
   
7. How does the setting influence the story?
   
8. How does Elizabeth use chemistry as a metaphor?
   
9. What message does the book send about motherhood?
   
10. How does the novel explore workplace discrimination?

Discussion Questions For High School Students

1. Should school uniforms be required?
   
2. Is social media helpful or harmful for teens?
   
3. How can we reduce stress in school?
   
4. What does success mean to you?
   
5. Should students be graded on participation?
   
6. How can schools prepare students for real life?
   
7. Should phones be allowed in class?
   
8. What’s one thing you would change about your school?
   
9. Do grades define intelligence?
   
10. How can students make a difference in their community?

Thought-Provoking Questions About Diversity for Students

1. What makes someone unique?
   
2. Why is it important to learn about different cultures?
   
3. How can we make our school more inclusive?
   
4. What does it mean to “belong”?
   
5. How do stereotypes affect people?
   
6. What’s something new you’ve learned from a friend with a different background?
   
7. How can we celebrate differences in the classroom?
   
8. What does respect mean to you?
   
9. What makes a safe space for everyone?
   
10. How can the media better represent diverse groups?

Interesting Topics to Learn About

1. How do black holes work?
   
2. What is artificial intelligence?
   
3. How did ancient civilizations build wonders like the pyramids?
   
4. What’s the science behind dreams?
   
5. How does the brain store memories?
   
6. What causes volcanoes to erupt?
   
7. How does climate change affect the planet?
   
8. Why do humans laugh?
   
9. What is the history of the Internet?
   
10. How do animals communicate?

Discussion Questions Examples

1. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
   
2. Do you think homework is necessary?
   
3. Should animals be kept in zoos?
   
4. What makes a good leader?
   
5. How do you spend your weekends?
   
6. What’s the best way to stay healthy?
   
7. Do you prefer books or movies?
   
8. What’s your dream vacation?
   
9. Is it better to work alone or in a team?
   
10. What qualities make someone trustworthy?

How to Host a Discussion Session Successfully

1. Set a clear goal or topic
2. Prepare engaging questions
3. Use tools like live polls or word clouds
4. Ask open-ended questions
5. Encourage everyone to speak
6. Set ground rules for respect
7. Use breakout rooms for small-group chats
8. Allow time for reflection
9. Keep the conversation on track
10. Summarize key points during and after

Final Thought: Make Every Online Group Chat Count

Creative discussion topics paired with interactive tools like polls, word clouds, and quizzes can transform ordinary virtual meetings into engaging, connected experiences, so create your own presentation with Slidea and turn your next online group session into something participants truly look forward to.

FAQs

1. How do I start a fun online discussion?

Start with a light or quirky question. Use tools like polls or quizzes to get quick responses and warm up the group.

2. What makes a discussion topic engaging?

It should be open-ended, relatable, and spark curiosity or emotion, whether that’s humor, nostalgia, or debate.

3. Can I use these ideas in hybrid events, too?

Yes! These topics work great in both virtual and hybrid setups. Interactive features help keep in-room and remote attendees equally engaged.

4. How do I make sure everyone participates?

Use features like anonymous polls or word clouds so even shy participants can contribute without pressure.

5. What tool can I use to run these interactive discussions?

You can use Slidea, an intuitive interactive presentation software that lets you add quizzes, live polls, and visual responses right into your slides.