The Indicator from Planet Money How algorithms are changing the way we speak
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Aug 19, 2025 
Adam Aleksic, author of 'Algo Speak' and social media content creator, dives into the whirlwind evolution of language fueled by platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He discusses how terms like 'riz' and 'skibbity' are shaping a new lexicon, driven by engagement metrics and viral trends. Aleksic reveals the complex ways algorithms influence communication, highlighting both the diversity of digital expression and the challenges posed by attention-driven formats. Tune in for a lively exploration of how our online interactions are transforming the way we speak!
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Algorithms Reshape Language
- Algorithms act as infrastructure that shapes language by prioritizing platform goals and attention incentives.
- This causes words to spread, be suppressed, or be repurposed based on what the platform amplifies.
Unalive Replacing 'Kill'
- TikTok suppresses words like "kill," so creators substitute terms like "unalive."
- That algo-driven lexicon even appears in school essays, showing online language bleeding into real life.
Viral Acceleration Of Slang
- Algorithms accelerate word adoption so slang can go viral far faster than before.
- Words like "riz" reached broad acceptance within months because creators chase trending metadata.
