Why nlite?

We've all been there—stuck in an unproductive, emotional debate that leads nowhere. Whether it's within our friend circles, at work, or on the world stage, these discussions drain time and emotional energy without producing meaningful results. Meanwhile, we face controversies and conflicts every day, some with dire consequences. The question is: how can we improve this?

nlite [enlight] is an online platform designed to systematically investigate controversial topics. The platform's primary goal is to surface the top arguments for all sides of a controversy. The idea is that, once the top arguments for all sides are identified, it becomes much easier to cut through the noise and decide which side makes more sense overall. The platform itself remains neutral and never takes sides.

Users play the central role in submitting and ranking arguments on nlite. This approach, which leverages the collective knowledge of the audience, is considered more reliable than data from any single organization—which may be biased—and is gaining popularity across social media.

Ranking Methodology

A distinguishing feature of the platform is its ranking methodology, which relies on pairwise comparisons of randomly selected arguments. This approach addresses a common problem in ranking systems based on likes and dislikes, where early submissions tend to get more visibility and votes. In contrast, nlite is designed to evaluate all submissions, even those submitted late. (Learn more)

Emotional Connection

Beyond logic, the platform seeks to foster emotional connections by offering spaces where users can share their personal experiences and spontaneous thoughts. These opportunities are available through the Life Stories and Comments sections, found on every Argument and Counter page. These spaces help users get exposed to the real-world impacts of the submitted arguments and counters and add a human dimension to the discussions. (Learn more)

Engaging Experience

Last but not least, while the platform enables rigorous investigation of controversial topics, its interactive and user-friendly design keeps the process of investigating a topic engaging and enjoyable.

And finally ...

We hope that next time you find yourself on the verge of an unproductive emotional debate, you pause—and consider nliting the topic instead. (Quick Start)

Don't raise your voice, improve your argument.
― Desmond Tutu

Overview