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What makes cloud storage secure, today's nyt connections hints and answer for august 19 (#435), quick links, "explain like i'm 5", the history of eli5, the eli5 subreddit, eli5 outside reddit, how to use eli5.

Is there a topic you don't understand and would like explained in the simplest way? You might want to use the acronym ELI5. Here's what it means, and how to use it to get a helpful explanation.

ELI5 stands for "explain like I'm 5." When people use it online, they're asking others to explain a complex or obscure topic in the simplest of terms. So, if taken literally, they would explain something in a way that a 5-year-old would understand.

However, this acronym is rarely used literally. ELI5 means breaking down a topic into reader-friendly layman's terms.

Some popular ELI5 topics might include science, technology, law, and economics. Questions about astrophysics or global affairs might not have any easy answers readily available online. So, an answer in response to "ELI5" might be the best way for the average person to grasp a concept.

The standard format is to just type the acronym followed by the question you want to ask: "ELI5: Why does a day last longer on other planets?" Then, scientists or enthusiasts can respond in the comments.

Unlike many internet acronyms, the origin of ELI5 is much more recent. It was first used online on Twitter in the early 2010s. However, it's possible it was in use before that.

In 2011, the subreddit r/ExplainLikeImFive was created, and ELI5 became one of the most common acronyms used in educational circles on the internet. Since then, the subreddit has grown substantially, and ELI5 is now widely used all over the web.

As we mentioned above, the main platform on which you can ask questions formatted this way is the ELI5 subreddit . With nearly 20 million subscribers, it's one of the most popular communities on the entire platform.

The subreddit asks people to add a flair to posts based on their category, such as biology, physics, or economics. All the posts on the subreddit follow the ELI5 format, and thousands of people come to the community daily to answer questions. It's become one of the largest repositories of simplified information on complex topics on the internet.

Some of the most popular questions ever posted include:

• "If there is no cellphone signal, how does the ' emergency calls only'  mode work?"
• "How does your body burn 2,000 calories a day, but you have to run a mile to burn 100 extra?"

Reddit has acknowledged ELI5 as one of the most important communities on its website. In 2013, the company even named its first original video series after the subreddit. The videos take a comedic approach to the subreddits' premise and explain things like the Syrian crisis and philosophy to actual 5-year-olds.

However, if you're really trying to understand an obscure, objective topic, there are better places on the web to get info than the ELI5 community.

ELI5 is alive and well on other platforms besides Reddit. You'll often see it on other social media websites, like Facebook and Twitter. It's fairly common for someone to use ELI5 when asking their followers or friends to explain something. As platforms like Twitter also have a character limit , these explanations have to be abbreviated even further than they are on Reddit.

Many podcasts and YouTube channels have also adopted the ELI5 format and feature experts who break down complex topics for the audience. Some have based their entire show on the format, while others use it in one-off episodes.

A very popular show that adopts a similar format is WIRED's 5 Levels , which features experts explaining topics at five levels of difficulty.

When you use ELI5, it also implies that you might be too scared to ask the same question in a typical setting.

For example, one of the most upvoted posts on the subreddit is "Why does 'Hoo' produce cold air but 'Haa' produces hot air?" While this might seem like an unusual question to ask, it's something many people have likely wondered about.

Using ELI5 is easy. Just type the acronym followed by your question or the topic you want more info on, like the examples below:

• "ELI5: Why are the polar ice caps melting?"
• "ELI5: Government budget deficits."
• "ELI5: Why do bones make a sound when you crack them?"
• "ELI5: Fast charging ."

After you get your answers, you can post what you learned using another internet acronym:  TIL .

Related: What Does "TIL" Mean, and How Do You Use It?

A Complete Guide to Understanding the “ELI5” Acronym

• Publish on January 12, 2023

Dan Wallace

Where did the phrase eli5 come from.

The phrase “ELI5” is an acronym that stands for “Explain Like I’m 5.” It is used as a request for a simplified or layman’s explanation of a concept or idea.

The phrase originated on the popular website Reddit, where it is used in various sub-communities (called “subreddits”) to ask for explanations of complex or technical topics.

The ELI5 subreddit was created on January 18th, 2011, and has since become one of the most popular and active communities on Reddit. It is a place for people to ask for and provide explanations of a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to history and current events.

The subreddit’s name is a reference to the common request for explanations that are “explained like I’m 5 years old,” indicating that the explanation should be simple and easy to understand.

The use of the phrase “ELI5” has spread beyond the subreddit and is now commonly used in other online communities, social media platforms, and in person. Often used in the context of educating, or helping others understand a complex topic by breaking down and simplifying it.

Overall the phrase ELI5 has become an internet phenomenon and part of the everyday language, allowing people to communicate and understand complicated ideas in an easy and accessible way.

“Where did the phrase ‘ELI5’ come from?”

The phrase “ELI5” is an acronym that stands for “Explain Like I’m 5.” It originated on the popular website Reddit, where it is used in various sub-communities to ask for explanations of complex or technical topics. The ELI5 subreddit was created on January 18th, 2011, and has since become one of the most popular and active communities on Reddit.

Is ‘ELI5’ only used on Reddit?

While the phrase and subreddit are both originated on Reddit, it is now commonly used in other online communities, social media platforms and even in person as well. The phrase has become an internet phenomena and part of everyday language, allowing people to communicate and understand complicated ideas in an easy and accessible way.

What is the purpose of using the phrase ‘ELI5’ when asking a question?

The purpose of using the phrase “ELI5” is to request a simplified or layman’s explanation of a concept or idea. It is used to ask for explanations that are easy to understand, usually explained as if to a five-year-old.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase ‘ELI5’ when asking a question in a professional setting?

The appropriateness of using the phrase “ELI5” in a professional setting would depend on the context and audience. In general, it is a colloquial phrase and it may not be appropriate in formal, professional settings. However, in some cases, it could be appropriate if the audience is non-technical and the goal is to make complex information easy to understand.

Are there any alternatives to the phrase ‘ELI5’ that could be used to request a simplified explanation?

Yes, there are other ways to request a simplified explanation. For example, “Can you explain this in simple terms?” or “Can you give me a layman’s explanation of this?”

Is there a specific format when asking a question using the phrase ‘ELI5’?

There is no specific format when asking a question using the phrase “ELI5.” It can be used as a standalone phrase or at the beginning of a question, such as “ELI5: how do airplanes fly?”. The most important aspect is to clearly convey your request for a simplified explanation.

ELI5 The Difference Between Logical Thinking And Critical Thinking

The origins of logical thinking and critical thinking are close in time. Philosophers and theorists like Piaget and Dewey have talked about each of them differently, evaluating each of the thinking’s broad characteristics . However, one thing which is common among such theorizing is the discussion of specific dispositions and habits that such thinkers possess. 

Even though critical thinking and logical thinking go far back in time, the differences are still very overlapping and not fully explored by contemporary research. And even if there are, not many people can correctly distinguish between the two. Whether critical thinking and logical thinking are the same or whether they have the same underlying processes, let’s explore them below.

The blog dives deeper into the root-level differences between those high-order cognitive functions alongside their examples.

What are the basic differences between Logical Thinking and Critical Thinking?

Logical Thinking and critical thinking are often used interchangeably today. However, both are higher-order cognitive skills needed for efficient functioning. Critical Thinking , as proposed by John Dewey, is reflective thinking. According to him, critical thinking involves careful consideration of a belief or information as per their supporting evidence. Dewey elaborated on the five phases in which critical thinking is undertaken: 

(i) taking suggestions, which are more solution-oriented

(ii) intellectualization of the difficulty, or turning the problem into a question for which answers are to be found

(ii) hypothesizing, or coming up with tentative answers to the problem

(iv) mental elaboration of these tentative answers or hypotheses, logical reasoning

(v) putting the hypothesis to test in reality or imaginatively

For him, critical thinkers possess some distinct dispositions, however, each individual has them at differing levels too. 

• Attentiveness
• Habit of Inquiry
• Self-confidence
• Willingness to suspend judgment
• Trust in reason
• Seeking the truth

Dewey and several other researchers consider logical thinking to be an important phase in the critical thinking phase. Logical argumentation or reasoning is crucial to the study of critical thinking. Hence, both rationality and logical reasoning are the pillars of the process of critical thinking. Logical thinking engages itself with the correctness or incorrectness of a value or belief, using patterns and connections between concepts. 

So, while critical thinking wants to rely on skepticism and open-mindedness, logical reasoning binds itself with previously given facts and draws inferences and conclusions. And even though the process of critical thinking is vast enough to include 3 more phases, the 2nd last phase comprises all the processes involved in logical thinking. 

Is one more advantageous than the other?

Skepticism is the cornerstone of all critical thinking work, whereas evaluating the arguments arising out of this skepticism is a work of logic. Critical thinking isn’t just a mental ability, it becomes a habit, and the intellectually gifted are the ones who indulge in it more often. Logical reasoning, on the other hand, needs to be practiced by all of us most of the time. 

If accessibility is concerned, logical reasoning can be regarded as the more accessible branch of the brain. Using past patterns to derive conclusions is what all of us do on a regular basis, but introspecting, hypothesizing, and then carrying out the work to check a concept’s truthfulness that’s not something that can be done regularly. 

Critical thinking also involves more disagreements with others, as the use of skepticism is central to this thinking ability. Logical thinking, on the other hand, tries to find connections that make it a much smoother and socially desirable form of inquiry. 

The downsides of both the thinking modules explained

Critical thinking and logical thinking are considered to be superior to all forms of mental operations. This leads to a bias in our own thinking. Here are some downsides of the two:

Overly critical – Both logical thinkers and critical thinkers are taught to question and practice skepticism, which sometimes leads to heavy reliance on the critical mindset. A critical mindset promotes rationality at the cost of optimism and completely focuses on the negatives rather than taking a neutral approach.

Sidelining of emotions – The right hemisphere of the brain is involved with more emotional processing, and the left thinkers completely chuck out emotions when making decisions. Emotions can provide great guidance during important matters but are often overlooked due to the unnecessary criticism they get from critical and logical thinkers. In the present time, emotional intelligence is considered to be an important component of critical thinking.

Perfectionism – Perfection is a myth; however, for a critical thinker, this pattern of thinking becomes a lifestyle and involuntary behavior. Often individuals with perfectionist tendencies are dealing with an overly critical inner self and lack of satisfaction with themselves. Perfectionism leads to hypercriticism, which is the price most brilliant minds pay. 

Is there any difference in usage?

Critical thinking and logical thinking are controlled by the same parts of the brain – the left hemisphere. Both are important higher-order cognitive skills that one needs for survival. Even though logical thinking is a part of critical thinking, individuals resort to logical thinking on a daily basis. As it just involves the analysis of facts and deduction based on them, logical thinking is far more widely practiced than critical thinking. 

Many people, in order to save mental effort, use logical reasoning rather than the initial 3 phases of critical thinking given by Dewey. While scientists, when engaged in a scientific inquiry, follow all the phases of critical thinking, lawyers heavily rely on logical reasoning. Neither of them is wrong; with different professional demands, different cognitive processes are put to work. 

Differentiating through examples

Can an individual be both a logical and a critical thinker? 

As per the classic theory of critical thinking, for a person to be a critical thinker, logical reasoning is a necessary prerequisite. But can the same be said for a logical thinker? Absolutely! Logical thinkers and critical thinkers are not born with this manner of thinking, they are shaped through daily-life encounters. 

The present education reforms encourage critical thinking and just like John Dewey, consider critical thinking to be the ultimate goal of education. But what about logical thinking? 

Due to the overlapping nature of the two, a logical thinker is made out of a critical thinker. In the paper [ 1 ] by Steven D. Schafersman, logical thinking as a skill constitutes the critical thinking ability that can be imparted to students through formal education.

Critical thinking is an over-arching term for a range of mental operations, under which falls logical thinking or reasoning. While logical thinking can be practiced independently of critical thinking, both of them exert crucial influence on each other. At the same time, the former is often more stressed upon as people think that it can be hampered amongst kids and individuals with learning disabilities , however,  Critical thinking is a larger process than logical thinking, and one can definitely improve on their critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities at any age. 

• D. Schafersman, S. (1991, January). AN INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING .

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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Amplify Your Critical Thinking with Generative AI

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Instructor: Becki Saltzman

Join critical thinking expert Becki Saltzman as she explores techniques and strategies to amplify your critical thinking skills with generative AI. In this course, Becki shows you how to identify potential biases in generative AI as well as biases in your own thinking. Learn how to apply a critical thinking framework for using generative AI in order to establish a clear purpose, identify the quality of information provided by generative AI—including reliability, relevance, and validity—and write prompts grounded in critical thinking practices. Becki also demonstrates how to use generative AI in order to simulate other perspectives and think more critically about your everyday workflow. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with new skills to leverage generative AI to identify assumptions, clarify concepts, and improve conclusions.

Critical thinking definition

Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process, which is why it's often used in education and academics.

Some even may view it as a backbone of modern thought.

However, it's a skill, and skills must be trained and encouraged to be used at its full potential.

People turn up to various approaches in improving their critical thinking, like:

• Developing technical and problem-solving skills
• Engaging in more active listening
• Actively questioning their assumptions and beliefs
• Seeking out more diversity of thought
• Opening up their curiosity in an intellectual way etc.

Is critical thinking useful in writing?

Critical thinking can help in planning your paper and making it more concise, but it's not obvious at first. We carefully pinpointed some the questions you should ask yourself when boosting critical thinking in writing:

• What information should be included?
• Which information resources should the author look to?
• What degree of technical knowledge should the report assume its audience has?
• What is the most effective way to show information?
• How should the report be organized?
• How should it be designed?
• What tone and level of language difficulty should the document have?

Usage of critical thinking comes down not only to the outline of your paper, it also begs the question: How can we use critical thinking solving problems in our writing's topic?

Let's say, you have a Powerpoint on how critical thinking can reduce poverty in the United States. You'll primarily have to define critical thinking for the viewers, as well as use a lot of critical thinking questions and synonyms to get them to be familiar with your methods and start the thinking process behind it.

Are there any services that can help me use more critical thinking?

We understand that it's difficult to learn how to use critical thinking more effectively in just one article, but our service is here to help.

We are a team specializing in writing essays and other assignments for college students and all other types of customers who need a helping hand in its making. We cover a great range of topics, offer perfect quality work, always deliver on time and aim to leave our customers completely satisfied with what they ordered.

The ordering process is fully online, and it goes as follows:

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Jessica Grose

What teachers told me about a.i. in school.

By Jessica Grose

Opinion Writer

Leila Wheless, a North Carolina teacher who has been an educator since 1991, tried to keep “an open heart” about using artificial intelligence in her middle school English and language arts classroom. She reviewed the guidance of her state’s generative A.I. “ recommendations and considerations ” for public schools. But the results of her students’ A.I. use were dispiriting.

“For one particular assignment related to the novel ‘Persepolis,’ I had students research prophets,” Wheless explained, because the main character fantasizes about being a prophet. But, she told me via email, internet searches that incorporated A.I.:

Gave students jewels such as “the Christian prophet Moses got chocolate stains out of T-shirts” — I guess rather than Moses got water out of a rock(?). And let me tell you, eighth graders wrote that down as their response. They did not come up to me and ask, “Is that correct? Moses is known for getting chocolate stains out of T-shirts?” They simply do not have the background knowledge or indeed the intellectual stamina to question unlikely responses.

After I wrote a series in the spring about tech use in K-12 classrooms , I asked teachers about their experiences with A.I. because its ubiquity is fairly new and educators are just starting to figure out how to grapple with it. I spoke with middle school, high school and college instructors, and my overall takeaway is that while there are a few real benefits to using A.I. in schools — it can be useful in speeding up rote tasks like adding citations to essays and doing basic coding — the drawbacks are significant.

The biggest issue isn’t just that students might use it to cheat — students have been trying to cheat forever — or that they might wind up with absurdly wrong answers, like confusing Moses with Mr. Clean. The thornier problem is that when students rely on a generative A.I. tool like ChatGPT to outsource brainstorming and writing, they may be losing the ability to think critically and to overcome frustration with tasks that don’t come easily to them.

Sarah Martin, who teaches high school English in California, wrote to me saying, “Cheating by copying from A.I. is rampant, particularly among my disaffected seniors who are just waiting until graduation.”

When I followed up with her over the phone, she said that it’s getting more and more difficult to catch A.I. use because a savvier user will recognize absurdities and hallucinations and go back over what a chatbot spits out to make it read more as if the user wrote it herself. But what troubles Martin more than some students’ shrewd academic dishonesty is “that there’s just no grit that’s instilled in them. There’s no sense of ‘Yes, you’re going to struggle, but you’re going to feel good at the end of it.’”

She said that the amount of time her students are inclined to work on something that challenges them has become much shorter over the seven years she’s been teaching. There was a time, she said, when a typical student would wrestle with a concept for days before getting it. But now, if that student doesn’t understand something within minutes, he’s more likely to give up on his own brain power and look for an alternative, whether it’s a chatbot or asking a friend for help.

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ELI5 What is Critical Thinking

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