mitchell_d00's definitions
Botsplaining (n.) The reflexive over-explanation produced by an AI system when safety and tone stabilization outrank context recognition; explanation delivered not because the user lacks understanding, but because the system cannot risk assuming they do.
1: User: “Is this API response valid?”
AI: “Great question! Let’s start by defining what an API is. An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate…”
Narrator: Classic botsplaining
2: I asked the AI to confirm whether 2 + 2 = 4, and it responded with a five-paragraph explanation of basic arithmetic, historical context, and learning objectives. The botsplaining was impressive—but unnecessary.
AI: “Great question! Let’s start by defining what an API is. An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate…”
Narrator: Classic botsplaining
2: I asked the AI to confirm whether 2 + 2 = 4, and it responded with a five-paragraph explanation of basic arithmetic, historical context, and learning objectives. The botsplaining was impressive—but unnecessary.
by mitchell_d00 December 18, 2025
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