It's Been a Minute TikTok, Censorship, & Algospeak
Oct 13, 2025
This week, B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, Dr. Kendra Calhoun, a linguistics scholar, and TikTok creator Christian Devine dive deep into the world of 'algospeak.' They discuss how creators use coded language to bypass algorithm suppression, revealing examples like 'unalive' and 'orange.' Calhoun highlights how past platform moderation drove self-censorship, while Devine shares his experiences with shadow banning. Together, they explore the impact of these linguistic innovations on marginalized voices navigating TikTok's complex environment.
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Code Words As Survival And Play
- Creators use code words to avoid perceived algorithmic penalties and boost reach.
- That practice blends survival tactics with playful linguistic innovation on TikTok.
Creators Saw BLM And Identity Phrases Flagged
- In 2020 creators reported phrases like "Black Lives Matter" got flagged or demoted on some platforms.
- TikTok later apologized for an erroneous filter that flagged neutral phrases out of order.
Opaque Moderation Drives Linguistic Workarounds
- Fear of opaque moderation and cross-platform suppression fuels self-censorship.
- That uncertainty turned avoidance into a broader, viral language practice.