Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Algospeak: Social Media's Impact on Language Explored by Linguist
Imagine the internet is like a playground where kids make up their own secret words.
Adam Aleksic, a language expert, wrote a book about how social media is changing how we talk.
He calls this "algospeak."
It's like when people use words like "seggs" instead of "sex" to avoid getting in trouble online.
These new words spread super fast, like "rizz" which means charisma, thanks to platforms like TikTok.
Aleksic makes videos explaining these words, and he's become like a science guy for slang, helping people understand how language is changing because of social media.
Linguist Adam Aleksic examines how social media algorithms shape language in his new book, "Algospeak."
The term "algospeak" describes the phenomenon of using inventive workarounds and slang to discuss sensitive topics online, like "seggs" for sex.
Aleksic's videos explaining slang terms like "lowkey" and "gyat" have gained popularity, earning him the nickname "Bill Nye for Gen Z language enthusiasts."
The article highlights the rapid spread of slang, like "rizz," through social media platforms such as TikTok.
Algospeak creates a dynamic linguistic ecosystem, with words quickly gaining and losing popularity.
- Who
- Adam Aleksic, a linguist and content creator, studies the impact of social media algorithms on language.
- What
- Adam Aleksic discusses how social media algorithms are influencing language, creating "algospeak."
- When
- Aleksic has been studying Gen Z slang since 2023, and his book "Algospeak" was recently published.
- Where
- Manhattan, New York, where Aleksic lives and creates content.
- Why
- To understand and explain how social media platforms and algorithms are rapidly changing the way people use language.
Traditional View
Modern View
Language Evolution
Traditional View
Focuses on proper grammar and formal language usage.
Modern View
Embraces the dynamic and ever-changing nature of language in the digital age.
- Subject
- Algospeak
- Author
- Adam Aleksic
- Age of Author
- 24
- Book Title
- Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language
- Education of Author
- Harvard University