Social media platforms have significantly influenced language evolution, leading to the emergence of "algospeak," a coded language developed to navigate automated content moderation systems. This phenomenon is explored in depth in Adam Aleksic's book, "Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language," published in July 2025. Aleksic, a linguist and content creator known as "Etymology Nerd," examines how algorithms shape communication and the development of new linguistic forms.
Algospeak involves substituting words or phrases that may trigger content moderation algorithms with alternative expressions. For example, users might replace "suicide" with "unalive" or "sex" with "seggs" to discuss sensitive topics without content suppression. This practice reflects a broader trend where language adapts to the constraints imposed by digital platforms. As Aleksic notes, "Algorithms are the culprits, influencers are the accomplices, language is the weapon, and you, dear reader, are the victim."
The book delves into various aspects of this linguistic shift, including censorship, online extremism, microtrends, and generational divides. It highlights how social media platforms, through their content moderation policies, influence the way individuals express themselves and interact online. Aleksic argues that social media is reshaping not only how we communicate but also how we live, emphasizing the need for awareness of these changes.
In summary, "Algospeak" provides a comprehensive analysis of how social media algorithms are transforming language, offering insights into the evolving nature of communication in the digital age. The book serves as both a snapshot of our digitally-influenced society and a thoughtful examination of evolving language, concluding that social media is reshaping not only how we communicate but how we live.