Endless Thread How algorithms are changing the way we talk: The rise of 'algospeak'
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Jan 9, 2026 Explore how the term 'unalive' evolved from memes to TikTok mental health communities as users navigate censorship. Discover the concept of algospeak, a new language shaped by social media algorithms. Learn about clever tactics employed on platforms like Reddit and TikTok to enhance engagement and virality. Delve into the rapid spread of slang due to influencers and algorithms. Debate the authenticity of this new language and its impact on identity. Ultimately, find a hopeful verdict on the future of slang in digital culture.
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How 'Unalive' Traveled Online
- The word "unalive" traveled from a 2013 Spider-Man meme to Roblox and then TikTok's mental-health spaces.
- TikTok users repurposed it to discuss suicide while avoiding content moderation and censorship.
The 'Educational Influencer Accent'
- Adam describes an "educational influencer accent" he uses on TikTok to keep viewers engaged.
- He alters stress, uses uptalk, and sensational phrasing to fit the platform's attention dynamics.
Influencers Shape Language Via Engagement
- Influencers learn and use speaking styles that boost engagement, which the algorithm rewards and amplifies.
- Small differences in language choice snowball into rapid, large-scale slang adoption.
