Quick Start

Overview

Getting Started
The basics

nlite [enlight] is an online platform designed to systematically investigate controversial topics by identifying the top arguments for all sides. Getting started with nlite is straightforward. To start investigating a controversial topic, simply click add_circle New Topic in the top navigation bar. You will then be asked to enter a title and a short description for the topic. Initially, you can stick to the default values for all other inputs.

Once the topic page is created, users can add viewpoints to it. Typically, the person who creates the topic adds at least two viewpoints. Next, they should share the URL of the page with their audience—such as a group of friends, their organization, or the general public.

The audience can then submit arguments for the listed viewpoints by clicking the Submit Argument button below each viewpoint. Submitted arguments will appear as yellow boxes under the respective viewpoint. The color yellow represents the goal of arguments: to enlighten society.

The platform also allows users to submit counters for existing arguments using the Submit Counter button below each argument (See the figure below). Submitted counters will be displayed as green boxes below the respective argument. The color green reflects a friendly and good-faith attempt to highlight a point that the argument submitter might have overlooked.

Ranking

The platform relies on user feedback to rank arguments submitted for each viewpoint, as well as counters submitted to each argument. This user feedback is provided through:

  • Evaluate Arguments button under each viewpoint
  • Evaluate Counters button under each argument

The topic page displays a ranked list of the top arguments for each viewpoint, based on the latest feedback. It also highlights the single top counter identified for each argument in real time.

The elements described here are illustrated in the sample page below. For more details on how the platform operates, click here.

An example topic page and its key elements
What makes nlite special?
  • Accurate ranking system: nlite does not use the common upvote/downvote buttons to rank submitted arguments given that this method can induce a bias toward early submissions. Instead, it uses an approach based on pairwise comparisons of randomly selected arguments. This approach ensures that all submitted arguments are evaluated, regardless of submission time.
  • Concise, organized structure: Topic pages are well-organized and to-the-point, making the investigation process more efficient.
To learn more about nlite's philosophy and features, click here.
Typical Workflow
Helping New Users Get Started
If you've created a topic page and want to share it with an audience new to nlite, share the following image to help them get started quickly. (Copy to clipboard
Image Copied!
Share image)

Overview