In the digital age, puzzles have become popular, fostering intellectual engagement and camaraderie. This latest puzzle, however, has proven particularly challenging, engaging diverse age groups and prompting renewed interest in problem-solving.
In June 2023, a Reddit user from Jamaica, @yawdmontweet, asked: “What is the closest time to midnight?” The options were A. 11:55 a.m., B. 12:06 a.m., C. 11:50 a.m., and D. 12:03 a.m. The question quickly garnered over 1.4 million views and numerous comments with varying answers.
Most participants believed option D (12:03 a.m.) was correct, considering time progression forward or backward. However, some argued for option A (11:55 a.m.), interpreting it as the closest to the next midnight.
AI also joined the discussion, with ChatGPT stating, “The closest time to midnight would be D. 12:03 a.m.”
Some commenters suggested the question might have multiple correct answers, depending on interpretation. This sparked frustration and highlighted potential difficulties for young learners.
As discussions continue, the question remains: Which option would you choose, and can there be multiple correct answers based on different interpretations?