Breakpoint A Decade of "Words of the Year"
Dec 8, 2025
Abdu Murray, a speaker and author, dives deep into how the words we choose reflect cultural realities. He discusses how Oxford's word selections serve as a cultural MRI, revealing our collective fears and desires. The conversation navigates the shift toward post-truth and self-generated realities since 2016. Murray highlights the impact of Millennials and Gen Z on cultural trends like 'goblin mode' and 'ragebait.' He emphasizes Christianity as a counter-narrative that anchors identity and truth amid a digital landscape filled with curated realities.
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Words As A Cultural MRI
- Oxford's Words of the Year act as a cultural MRI revealing collective fears and obsessions.
- The 2016 'post-truth' moment began a decade-long drift into curated, algorithm-shaped realities.
From Youthquake To Cognitive Decline
- Successive words show a trajectory from activism to passivity and digital erosion of attention.
- 'Youthquake' energy gave way to 'goblin mode' and cognitive decline among young people.
Ragebait Versus Aura Farming
- 'Ragebait' and 'aura farming' show external manipulation and internal self-commodification.
- One warps perception; the other turns identity into a curated product requiring constant maintenance.
