Short Wave Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language w/ Adam Aleksic (from TED Tech)
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Nov 15, 2025 
Linguist Adam Aleksic dives into the fast-evolving world of Gen Z slang and its roots in social media. He highlights how algorithms shape language, discussing quirky terms like "unalive" as a euphemism created out of content moderation. Adam reveals how viral songs, like the Rizzler track, accelerate slang spread, while also addressing the commercialization of niche identities. He traces the cultural origins of popular slang back to Black and queer communities, urging awareness of appropriation and the potential harms of algorithmic influence.
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Teachers Report 'Unalive' In Classrooms
- Adam Aleksic surveyed over a thousand middle school teachers about 'unalive'.
- He found students use it in essays and classroom talk as a euphemism for death.
Algorithms Shape Which Words Survive
- Social media algorithms drive the creation and survival of some words by suppressing others.
- Users invent or adopt alternatives (like "unalive") to bypass moderation, reshaping language at scale.
Repetition And Engagement Fuel Rapid Spread
- Algorithms reward repetition and engagement, so catchy audio or memes rapidly amplify words.
- Creators exploit trending audios and hashtags to boost reach, accelerating slang spread.
