How Social Media Algorithms Are Reshaping Language

With the increasing spread of social media, these platforms have significantly impacted the evolution of language and how we use words. In this article, we explore how algorithms are reshaping the future of language in unexpected ways, as detailed in the book ‘Algospeak’.

The Rapid Impact of the Internet on Language

It has become evident that language is evolving rapidly in the digital age. New words and terms are spreading on social platforms at an unprecedented pace. For example, words like “skibidi,” “beld,” and “maxing” have become popular among young people and have quickly spread across the internet.

Adam Aleksic, the author of ‘Algospeak’, believes that this phenomenon is not entirely new but rather a continuation of old patterns at a faster and broader pace. This rapid impact reflects how words can transform in people’s minds into new linguistic standards due to recommendation algorithms.

Language and the Digital Society

Linguistic developments in the digital age show that language is not just a means of communication but also a social tool that expresses belonging and identity. New words often emerge as a way to express new social realities and interact with peers in a playful and innovative manner.

Through platforms like TikTok and Reddit, users can create a shared language that enhances the sense of belonging to a particular group. These new words and phrases are used to signify users’ affiliation with a certain subculture or to participate in an inside joke.

Context Collapse and Its Impact on Meaning

One of the phenomena Aleksic discusses in his book is known as “context collapse,” where the original meaning of words is lost when transferred from one context to another. This collapse can lead to misunderstandings and the use of words in ways that differ from their original meaning.

An example of this is words that originated in specific cultural environments, like “slay” and “queen,” which were originally part of the ballroom culture in New York and lost part of their original meaning when moved to other contexts.

Language as Cultural Resistance

Despite the significant impact of algorithms on language, Aleksic sees ongoing cultural resistance to this influence. People often use language as a tool to express their rejection of technological dominance by using terms sarcastically or to highlight specific cultural issues.

This resistance is evident in how people use language to express their belonging to certain groups and to highlight cultural and social differences. This resistance also empowers individuals to redefine words in ways that align with their worldview.

Conclusion

Social media plays a major role in shaping modern language, as algorithms reshape how we communicate and interact with each other. Despite the challenges posed by this phenomenon, it also showcases the creativity and linguistic flexibility of users. By understanding these changes, we can appreciate how language evolves and its role in enhancing social and cultural connections.