Adam Aleksic, known as Etymology Nerd, argues in his book that algorithms significantly shape modern language. He highlights the emergence of 'seggs' as a euphemism for sex and 'unalive' for suicide, showcasing a phenomenon called algospeak. These creative terms are a response to content moderation restrictions and indicate broader linguistic changes influenced by social media. Aleksic notes that even those not on social media encounter these expressions, such as 'brain rot,' which was named Oxford's 2024 word of the year and demonstrates the pervasive impact of digital culture on language. His findings suggest that algorithms are fundamentally changing how people communicate.
Aleksic identifies terms like 'seggs' and 'unalive' as part of a linguistic trend called algospeak, representing inventive workarounds for discussing sensitive topics online.
Algospeak reflects a significant shift in language use driven by social media algorithms, affecting both the vocabulary of influencers and the general public.
Oxford University Press recognizes 'brain rot' as the 2024 word of the year, illustrating how social media influences the vernacular beyond platform boundaries.
Aleksic suggests that algorithms are reshaping language in profound ways, impacting not just online communication but also altering expressions in everyday conversations.
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