Does algospeak like 'seggs' and 'unalive' affect free speech? And the blockbuster Ne Zha 2
Mar 13, 2025
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Rebecca Jennings, a writer for New York Magazine, dives into the world of 'algospeak'—the clever linguistic tricks people use to dodge censorship online, sparking a conversation about free speech implications. Film critic Rachel Ho analyzes the record-breaking success of 'Ne Zha 2,' the highest-grossing animated film ever, discussing its rich themes of vengeance and friendship while navigating the cultural significance and censorship challenges in China. This blend of topics provides thought-provoking insights into modern communication and film.
Algospeak represents a creative adaptation to online censorship, fundamentally altering how users communicate serious topics on social media.
The rise of censorship in online spaces parallels societal issues, fostering a culture of fear that threatens free speech and personal expression.
Deep dives
The Impact of Algo Speak on Communication
Algo speak, a phenomenon emerging from the need to bypass online censorship, has significantly altered how people communicate on social media. Users have adopted creative alternatives, such as using 'corn' for 'porn' and 'unalive' for 'suicide', to avoid algorithms that suppress sensitive content. This shift has fostered an internet dialect that might trivialize serious subjects, making challenging conversations feel less direct and impactful. Consequently, it shapes not only online discourse but also how individuals, particularly younger users, interact in real life, perpetuating self-censorship and modifying their communication habits.
Creative Resistance in Content Creation
The use of indirect language on platforms such as TikTok exemplifies how users creatively navigate restrictions to express political ideas. For instance, individuals featuring mundane topics like winter boots have ingeniously intertwined messages about serious political issues by using inconspicuous imagery. This tactic highlights the lengths users will go to avoid suppression of their messages, showcasing a form of resistance against censorship. While this creativity reveals adaptability in digital expression, it also underscores the concerning reality that social media environments are becoming increasingly hostile to meaningful discussions.
The Broader Implications of Censorship
Censorship on social media reflects a broader societal issue, as it shapes the narrative in both digital and physical realms. Users face the risk of account suspension or loss of professional opportunities if their content conflicts with strict platform guidelines, leading to a culture of fear. Additionally, the association between censorship in online spaces and governmental policies deepens concerns about free speech and personal expression. The trend of eradicating potentially controversial words from public discourse signifies an alarming shift towards more authoritarian control over both online and offline conversations.
“Algospeak” is a kind of Internet language where people replace words like porn and suicide with seemingly innocuous words and emojis as a way to avoid being censored by the algorithm. Rebecca Jennings and Noelle Perdue explain this phenomenon and what it means for free speech.
Plus, film critic Rachel Ho explains how the Chinese fantasy feature ‘Ne Zha 2’ just surpassed ‘Inside Out 2’ to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
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