Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language | Adam Aleksic

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Adam Aleksic argues that social media algorithms are reshaping language by accelerating slang creation, spread, and meaning. Using examples like “unalive,” “rizz,” “cottagecore,” and “gyat,” he shows how platforms reward euphemism, repetition, identity labels, and even extremist jargon—while also noting these changes follow older patterns of language evolution and appropriation.

Main Topics: Algorithm-driven language change (Priority: 5/5): Social platforms now influence which words emerge, spread, and survive by rewarding engagement, repetition, and searchable metadata. “Unalive” as algorithmic euphemism (Priority: 5/5): The word illustrates how users invent substitutes to evade moderation and how those substitutes then enter offline speech. Viral slang and meme amplification (Priority: 4/5): Examples like the Rizzler song show how catchy content can rapidly popularize slang across broader audiences. Identity labels and aesthetic communities (Priority: 4/5): Terms like cottagecore are boosted by algorithms that encourage hyper-specific identities and niche consumer communities. Extremist jargon entering mainstream slang (Priority: 4/5): Words such as “pilled” and “sigma” can carry incel origins, showing how ironic meme culture can normalize harmful rhetoric. Appropriation and dilution of Black and queer language (Priority: 5/5): Many popular internet slang terms originate in marginalized communities but are often detached from their roots as they spread. Balanced view of linguistic change (Priority: 3/5): Aleksic argues the situation is concerning but not dystopian; language has always evolved, and awareness of etymology matters.

Key Arguments: Social media algorithms are not just distributing language; they are actively shaping which words are created and how quickly they spread. “Unalive” emerged because platforms suppress words like “kill,” demonstrating algorithmic censorship as a direct driver of new vocabulary. Viral repetition and trending metadata help slang move from niche communities to mainstream usage at unprecedented speed. Algorithms encourage identity-based micro-communities, which can turn aesthetics like cottagecore into marketable consumer identities. Some slang spreads from harmful subcultures such as incels, meaning ironic meme usage can unintentionally normalize extremist ideas. A large share of modern internet slang comes from Black and queer communities, but widespread online use often strips away origin and meaning. Despite these risks, the speaker argues this is a continuation of historical language change, not a collapse of English. Awareness of etymology and algorithmic influence can help listeners use language more thoughtfully and avoid harm.

Data Points: Middle school teachers surveyed: 1,000+ - Used as evidence that “unalive” is appearing in real classroom settings. Teachers recognizing “unalive”: about 80% - Audience show of hands for familiarity with the word. Teachers hearing “unalive” in person: about 40–50% - Audience show of hands for in-person usage. TED talk year: 2024 - Adam Aleksic spoke at TEDxPen at the University of Pennsylvania. Word of the year example: Rizz became Oxford English Dictionary word of the year - Used to illustrate how quickly slang can move from obscurity to mainstream recognition.

Pivotal Quotes: "We are entering an entirely new era of language change driven by social media algorithms." — Adam Aleksic: Core thesis of the talk about how platforms are reshaping vocabulary and usage. "The algorithm gave you that identity." — Adam Aleksic: Explaining how niche labels like cottagecore can be reinforced and monetized by platform recommendation systems. "We should be aware when the way we're talking may have been conditioned by the algorithm." — Adam Aleksic: Closing call for linguistic awareness, etymology, and caution about platform influence.

Implications: Listeners should treat online slang as socially and commercially shaped, not neutral. For creators and platforms, the talk highlights both the power and responsibility of algorithmic amplification in language, identity, and cultural influence.