The term "expanders" can have various meanings in different contexts. Discussed below are two distinct uses of expanders based on clips from experts:

1. Relationship Expanders:

   • In relationships, the concept of being an "expander" refers to a partner who enhances and broadens your life experiences rather than limiting them. Liz Moody suggests that a partner should help you grow by having meaningful conversations, cultivating friendships, and celebrating milestones in ways that enrich your life. If your partner consistently makes your life feel smaller, it may be time to reassess the relationship 1.

2. Graph Theory and Data Propagation:

   • In the realm of graph theory and machine learning, an expander graph is valued for its properties that facilitate efficient and global data propagation. Petar Veličković describes expander graphs as having low diameters and low bottlenecks, which enable efficient information flow across nodes. This is particularly useful in tasks like molecular property predictions where data needs to travel globally across the network 2.
   • Similarly, Kristin Lauter explains expander graphs in cryptographic applications, where their rapid mixing properties make them suitable for security protocols. They facilitate quick and uniform distribution of data across the network, enhancing both mathematical elegance and practical utility in encryption methods 3.
     

     1

     Partner as Expander

     00:41:57

     

     2

     Graph Propagation Efficiency

     00:31:21

     

     3

     Cryptographic Expander Graphs

     00:28:25

Therefore, expanders can either refer to people who broaden your personal experiences or to mathematical constructs that improve data flow efficiency in computational and cryptographic contexts.