Algorithms Accelerate Language Evolution and Obscure Meaning

The subtle evolution of language in the digital age reveals how algorithms not only shape what we see but also how we speak, creating a new linguistic landscape that bypasses traditional communication channels. This conversation with Adam Aleksic, author of "Algospeak," uncovers the hidden consequences of algorithmically driven language, showing how seemingly innocuous online trends can have profound impacts on how we express sensitive topics, form identities, and even engage with brands. For anyone navigating the complexities of online culture, content creation, or simply trying to understand modern communication, this analysis offers a critical lens on the forces subtly rewriting our vocabulary.

The Algorithm as Invisible Editor: How "Algospeak" Rewrites Our Conversations

The way we talk is changing, not because of new dictionaries or academic pronouncements, but because of the silent, pervasive influence of algorithms. Adam Aleksic, a self-proclaimed "pop etymologist" and educational influencer, dives deep into this phenomenon in his book "Algospeak," revealing how social media platforms, driven by engagement metrics, are actively shaping our language in ways we often don't even notice. This isn't just about new slang; it's about how algorithms steer our communication, particularly around sensitive topics, and how this can lead to both surprising connections and a loss of original meaning.

One of the most striking examples of this algorithmic influence is the word "unalive." Aleksic traces its journey from a meme on a kids' show, "Ultimate Spider-Man," to a Roblox game, and then, crucially, to TikTok. On TikTok, the word found a new, significant purpose within mental health communities. Faced with the challenge of discussing suicide without triggering content moderation, users adopted "unalive" as a euphemism. This allowed for vital conversations about mental health to persist, demonstrating a powerful, albeit indirect, consequence of algorithmic censorship: the birth of a new, algorithmically-sanctioned vocabulary for difficult subjects.

"The mental health community needs to talk about suicide but there's this problem you pretty much can't say suicide on TikTok no matter what the context is... and so the mental health community looking for a way to discuss the concept of suicide in a way that's not going to be censored by the algorithm they turn to a trending meme and that meme gets amplified even further."

-- Adam Aleksic

The ripple effect of this linguistic adaptation is profound. What starts as an online workaround can quickly seep into mainstream discourse, as seen with the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture's use of "unalive" in an exhibit about Kurt Cobain. While intended as a respectful alternative, it sparked controversy, highlighting the disconnect between algorithmic intent and human reception. This illustrates a core dynamic: language, once shaped by algorithms, can become detached from its origins, leading to unintended consequences and challenges in interpretation.

Beyond sensitive topics, Aleksic points to how algorithms incentivize specific linguistic patterns for maximum engagement. He calls this the "engagement treadmill." Influencers, aiming for virality, deliberately employ tactics like the "educational influencer accent"--characterized by exaggerated emphasis, uptalk, and sensational language--to keep audiences hooked. This isn't just about individual creators; it's about a systemic pressure to adopt language that plays into algorithmic preferences.

"I will very intentionally employ what I call an educational influencer accent. I'll stress more words to keep you engaged. I'll use uptalk that keeps you hanging on the end of my sentences... I'll use slang words that I know are better at capturing attention."

-- Adam Aleksic

This leads to the rapid proliferation of slang terms like "gyatt" and "rizz." These words, often originating in niche communities, are amplified by influencers, becoming more salient in culture. The algorithm, detecting their popularity, pushes them further, creating a feedback loop where slang evolves at an unprecedented speed. What might have taken a decade to catch on in the past can now become mainstream in a year. This accelerated pace means language change is not only faster but also more intense, potentially leading to a situation where we adopt new ways of speaking before we even fully grasp their origins or implications.

The suffix "-pilled," popularized by the movie "The Matrix" and further amplified by online communities, showcases another facet of this phenomenon. Originally tied to political ideologies, it has evolved into a versatile suffix that can be attached to almost any word, creating terms like "burrito-pilled" or "goblin-core-pilled." While often humorous, this linguistic flexibility can obscure the original, sometimes problematic, origins of these terms. Aleksic notes that many younger users are unaware of the incel community's role in popularizing "-pilled," highlighting a potential disconnect where the rhetorical power and social context of words are lost in translation across different online spaces.

"The word wouldn't have had larger impact if it wasn't for the incel community online... they had the term black pilled which means accepting incel ideology and they were the ones that really kickstarted the trend of turning pilled into this productive suffix that can just be thrown onto anything."

-- Adam Aleksic

This phenomenon extends to how we construct our identities online. Terms like "sigma," "chad," and various "cores" (e.g., cottage core, goblin core) are not just descriptors but also metadata that algorithms use to categorize users for targeted advertising. Aleksic points out that platforms like TikTok explicitly encourage businesses to leverage these subcultures as demographics, turning personal interests into monetizable categories. This raises a crucial question: when do we adopt these terms to express ourselves, and when do they begin to define and monetize us, potentially without our full awareness of their algorithmic underpinnings? The lines blur, and the system reaps the benefits.

Key Action Items: Navigating the Algospeak Landscape

• Immediate Action: Analyze your own language use. For the next week, pay attention to the slang and new phrases you use. Ask yourself if you know their origin or if they feel like they've been "insepted" by online trends.
• Immediate Action: Diversify your information sources. Actively seek out content that is not algorithmically curated for your "For You" page or feed to gain a broader perspective on language and culture.
• Short-Term Investment (1-3 months): Explore the etymology of trending terms. When you encounter a new word or phrase, take a few minutes to research its history. Understanding origins can help you use language more intentionally.
• Short-Term Investment (1-3 months): Experiment with intentional language. Try using older, more established vocabulary or crafting unique phrases that reflect your personal style, rather than defaulting to trending algospeak. This builds a more distinct linguistic identity.
• Medium-Term Investment (3-6 months): Educate yourself on platform algorithms. Understand how engagement metrics (likes, shares, watch time) influence content visibility and language trends on platforms you use regularly.
• Medium-Term Investment (3-6 months): Consider the societal impact of linguistic shifts. Reflect on how algorithmically driven language might affect communication, inclusivity, and the potential for manipulation. This requires a conscious effort to step back from the immediate trend.
• Long-Term Investment (6-12 months): Foster unique contributions. Prioritize creating and sharing content or ideas that stem from genuine personal experience and thought, rather than solely chasing algorithmic trends. This is where lasting cultural impact is made, away from the constant feedback loop.