36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (2024)

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (1)Ever wanted to cause a bit of chaos in your Slack channels? Enter hot takes — a fun way to get people talking about controversial opinions, debating who’s right, and finding out more about each other.

In this guide, we’ll explore:
  • What hot takes are
  • Some great examples of hot takes
  • A shortcut to hosting engaging hot takes games in Slack

Let’s get started!

What is a hot take?

A hot take is a statement that’s provocative enough that people can’t help but weigh in with their thoughts. It’s usually a controversial opinion that has no factually right or wrong answer, which means you can debate endlessly on who is “right.” When they’re thoughtfully planned, hot takes open the door for plenty of conversation and connection.

Here’s what makes hot takes so much fun:

  • 🤐 They’re usually controversial.
  • 📣 They’re open for debate.
  • 👍 They’re often about something many people can relate to.
  • ✔️ They’re interesting to talk about.

We usually see hot takes in areas like entertainment, sports, hobbies, and food. They usually feature unpopular opinions, so much so that they‘re similar to memes and often divide opinion.

“Pineapple belongs on a pizza” is a popular one, because people often have strong opinions on whether it does or doesn’t. Statements like “Star Wars is awful” or “Facebook Gaming is better than Twitch” are also likely to get people talking, because people usually have a preferred streaming service or a take on whether the Star Wars franchise is brilliant or not.

The hot takes the land are widely relatable. Try to avoid anything that requires niche knowledge (unless you know your audience), so you can keep your game more inclusive. Always keep your group in mind when you’re thinking of which hot takes to share — tailor it to people’s sense of humor, how well you know them, and their own personal opinions and experiences.

36 interesting hot takes to debate with your team

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (2)Most of us see the hot takes in online media outlets like Buzzfeed or in tweets, or presented to us as fact by friends, family members, or people that want to spark a reaction. They can also be used as a fun social game — and work well as a way to bring your team members together by debating non-serious topics.

Let’s take a look at some hot takes ideas for some popular categories.

🐶 Animal hot takes

Want your team members to get into a debate over whether cats or dogs are better? Here are some fun animal themed hot takes you can try.

1. Sloths aren’t as cute in real life.
2. Cats make better companions than dogs.
3. Small animals are great pets for small children.
4. Pugs are ugly.
5. Most of us would have a pet tiger if we could.
6. Spiders get a bad reputation.

🍎 Brand hot takes

Explore people’s favorite streaming services, technology brands, and football teams with some of these hot takes that have you debating all things brands.

7. Samsung is better than Apple.
8. Nike is the best sports brand.
9. Apple Music is better than Spotify.
10. Wendy’s has the best social media presence.
11. Taco Bell is the best fast food outlet out there.
12. Amazon Prime Video is better than Netflix.

📺 Entertainment hot takes

Are romantic comedies terrible? Who’s really the best Marvel character? Get people talking about music, movies, gaming, and TV shows with these entertainment hot takes.

13. Podcasts aren’t worth listening to.
14. Harry Styles is the best performer in current times.
15. The Oscars are boring.
16. Games of Thrones was overrated.
17. World of Warcraft is still the best video game ever.
18. Marvel movies lack imagination.

👗 Fashion hot takes

Are you pro skinny jeans? Think that terrible hair style from the ‘70s is due a comeback? Debate all things stylish (or not) with these fashion themed hot takes.

19. I miss bootleg jeans from the first time around.
20. Crop tops are the best.
21. Crocs are a must-have footwear item.
22. You can wear denim on denim.
23. Everyone should try brightly colored hair once.
24. Bro culture has led to some questionable fashion choices.

🍔 Food hot takes

Uncover whether your team members love weird pizza combinations or have some seriously controversial food opinions with these food and drink themed hot takes.

25. Pineapple is the best pizza topping.
26. Pop tarts are overrated.
27. Deep dish pizza is the best.
28. Cheese should be featured in every dish.
29. Drinks don’t need glitter on it.
30. Nobody truly likes avocados.

✈️ Travel hot takes

Which is the ultimate bucket list vacation location? Are cruises underrated? Explore some travel themed hot takes to get to know your team members better.

31. Everyone should go on a cruise vacation at least once.
32. American road trips are overrated.
33. There are way more romantic cities than Paris.
34. The Great Pyramids aren’t as great as they look in photos.
35. Seeing the world should be on everyone’s bucket list.
36. You should learn the language before you travel.

Run hot takes the easy way with Polly

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (3)Often, the hardest part is coming up with statements for your hot takes discussions. You want something that’s controversial, but not likely to ruffle any feathers. It also needs to be interesting or exciting, otherwise there’s not much you can talk about.

Introducing an easier way to avoid overwhelm and surface the perfect hot takes — Polly’s Hot Takes feature. We have more than 110 questions in our library, and each time you use Polly to start a hot take, it’ll share a random question.

Not sure that one’s quite right for the moment? Hit shuffle until you find the perfect hot take to share with your team!

There’s something for everyone in our library, including hot takes like:

  • Do cats or dogs make better pets?
  • We should get rid of daylight saving time.
  • Airplanes aren’t safer than cars, there are just fewer of them.

Each of these gives you a talking point to start with, and you can debate over your answers and let the conversation flow and develop. Often, hot takes don’t have a defined right answer, which gives you plenty of room to challenge, question, and lay out why you think your take is the right one.

Our hot takes social game is easy to set up and run through Slack. Run a new discussion every week in your #watercooler channel, create a dedicated channel for people to get to know each other through our social games, or simply share one randomly to your team channel. Use your hot takes to spark a discussion, engage with your team, and give everyone the chance to have a say on something controversial.

Get to know your team members with a game of hot takes

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (4)We see people sharing hot takes on social media all the time, and now you can use them as an exciting way to engage with your team members. Connect Polly to Slack, Teams, or Zoom, and set up our hot takes game.

Hot takes aren’t the only way to engage with your team. Add team check-ins, trivia games, and employee appreciation awards to your favorite communication app with Polly. Explore our employee engagement features today and find new ways to inspire, engage, and connect with your team.

Try Polly for free to instantly improve your employee engagement.

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (5) 36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (6)

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (7)

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (8)

Written by Nicola Scoon

Nicola Scoon is a freelance writer that's passionate about employee engagement and better workplace experiences. She draws on her experience in internal communications to help companies create content that empowers, encourages, and motivates people to create better experiences for all.

36 Hot Take Questions to Spark a Friendly Debate (2024)

FAQs

What are examples of a hot take? ›

Here are some notable hot takes from high schoolers:
  • Hot take: skinny jeans are still stylish.
  • Hot take: pineapple is not good on pizza.
  • Hot take: Instagram is better than Snapchat.
  • Hot take: soup is gross.
  • Hot take: cold showers are better than hot showers.
Apr 16, 2024

Is a hot take an unpopular opinion? ›

The prevalence of hot takes on social media has also contributed to the term taking on the broader sense of an unpopular or controversial opinion outside of journalism.

What are good hot questions? ›

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
  • What do you think could have happened next?
  • Do you know of another instance where...?
  • What would you change in the story?
  • From the information given, develop a set of instructions about ...?
  • What do you see as possible outcomes? ...
  • Why did ..... ...
  • What was the turning point?

What is a spicy hot take? ›

noun. : a quickly produced, strongly worded, and often deliberately provocative or sensational opinion or reaction (as in response to current news)

What is a personal hot take? ›

a piece of writing or speech, especially on the internet, giving someone's personal opinions about a topic, usually strong opinions that have not been carefully thought about and that many people are likely to disagree with: hot take on He wants to give us his hot take on how feminism has gone too far.

What are some good this or that questions? ›

Funny This or That Questions

Would you rather not brush your teeth for a week or not shower for a month? Would you rather have a bad haircut or bad hair dye? Would you rather a speeding ticket or a parking ticket? Would you rather see babies dressed as animals or animals dressed as humans?

What is a good thing to argue about? ›

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

All drugs should be legalized. Animal testing should be banned. Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults. Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.

What are controversial opinions? ›

If you describe something or someone as controversial, you mean that they are the subject of intense public argument, disagreement, or disapproval.

Why do people say "hot take"? ›

A 'hot take' is a published reaction or analysis of a recent news event that doesn't offer much in the way of deep reflection. Loosely speaking, a hot take is a published reaction or analysis of a recent news event that, often because of its time-sensitive nature, doesn't offer much in the way of deep reflection.

What are some unpopular opinions? ›

Unpopular Opinions That Make an Impression
  • Close relationships with your exes are a healthy part of life.
  • It's better for some couples not to have children.
  • Political correctness is killing free speech.
  • Getting married solves most of your problems in life.
  • Money can buy happiness.
Jul 22, 2023

What is considered unpopular? ›

Definitions of unpopular. adjective. regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval. “unpopular ideas” “an unpopular war”

What are some spicy Q&A questions? ›

Dirty Questions to Ask Your Crush
  • What are your biggest turn-ons?
  • What's your favorite sex position?
  • How do you feel about one-night stands?
  • What are your biggest turnoffs?
  • Do you like sexting?
  • Where's the hottest place you've had sex?
  • How do you feel about PDA?
  • Have you ever had sex in public?
Apr 8, 2024

What are really juicy questions? ›

Juicy questions to ask friends
  • What's the weirdest thing you've done in public?
  • What's an embarrassing thing you've done and never told anyone about?
  • What's the most bizarre text you've ever received?
  • What's the cringiest thing you've ever put up on social media?
Apr 18, 2024

What are the best questions to ask in hot seating? ›

Funny Hot Seat Questions for Friends

What's the silliest nickname you've ever been given, and how did you earn it? Share the most embarrassing moment from your childhood that still makes you laugh today. Share a funny or bizarre talent you possess that not many people know about.

What are fun catching up questions? ›

Fun questions to ask friends
  • Describe your perfect day.
  • What movie or show do you keep rewatching?
  • What makes you choose that movie/show over and over again?
  • What was your favorite game as a child?
  • Which book or movie impacted you most growing up?
  • What's your favorite childhood memory?
  • What is your favorite memory?

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