ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Reflexive control

Reflexive control is like when you play a game of catch with someone. Every time they throw the ball to you, your brain automatically tell your body how to catch the ball. It happens so fast, you don't even have to think about it. This is called a reflex.

In the same way, reflexive control is when someone tries to control your actions by making you think and act in a certain way without you even realizing it. It's like when someone shows you a picture of a cute puppy or kitten and then asks you if you think cruelty to animals is wrong. Because you already have happy thoughts about the puppies or kittens, your brain might make you say yes because you don't want to hurt them. This is called reflexive control because you don't even realize that someone is trying to influence your thoughts and actions.

But reflexive control can also be used for bad things. For example, someone might show you pictures of scary things or say mean things to you so that you become scared or upset. Then they can control what you do or say next because they know how you will react. This is not a nice thing to do and it's important to be aware of it so that you can make your own choices instead of being controlled by someone else.