Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud cover image

Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Does algospeak like 'seggs' and 'unalive' affect free speech? And the blockbuster Ne Zha 2

Mar 13, 2025
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.
25:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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