Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Linguist Explores How Social Media Shapes Language
Imagine a smart person, Adam, who studies words.
He noticed that how we talk is changing because of websites like TikTok.
New words pop up quickly, like 'rizz,' which means charm.
These words spread fast because of algorithms, which are like computer helpers that show us what's popular.
Adam is writing a book about this, explaining how social media is changing our language and if these changes will last.
Adam Aleksic, a linguist, is analyzing how social media algorithms are changing language.
He created the persona 'Etymology Nerd' on social media to explain internet slang to a broader audience.
Terms like 'rizz' and 'unalive' are examples of 'algospeak' – language shaped by algorithms.
Aleksic is writing a book discussing how social media influences language.
Experts debate the long-term impact of internet slang on communication.
- Who
- Adam Aleksic, a linguist and content creator known as Etymology Nerd.
- What
- A linguist is analyzing the impact of social media algorithms on language and writing a book.
- When
- The analysis is ongoing; the book was recently released.
- Where
- The linguist lives and works in Manhattan, and analyzes language used on social media platforms.
- Why
- To understand and explain how social media algorithms influence language evolution and trends.
Impact on Language
Potential Concerns
Language Evolution
Impact on Language
Some believe that the rapid spread of internet slang might dilute the language's depth and lasting impact.
Potential Concerns
Others think it is an evolution, as words have always been evolving.
- Linguist
- Adam Aleksic
- Online Persona
- Etymology Nerd
- Book Title
- Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language
- Word of the Year (2024)
- Brain rot
- Example of 'Algospeak'
- Rizz, unalive