GD POLITICS Do Politicians Need To Go Viral To Win?
Aug 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Adam Aleksic, a linguist and author known as Etymology Nerd, dives into how social media algorithms are reshaping our language and, consequently, politics. He discusses the rise of terms like 'unalive' and the impact of niche communities on mainstream slang. Adam highlights how memes influence political ideologies and voter engagement, emphasizing that authenticity in communication is crucial. The conversation also reveals how word choice can dramatically alter public perception, especially in today's digital landscape.
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Algorithms Reshape Language
- Galen Druk says algorithms now influence how we communicate online.
- Adam Aleksic argues platforms change where words come from and how fast they spread.
Euphemisms From Platform Censorship
- Adam Aleksic cites "unalive" as a euphemism created to evade platform bans on suicide talk.
- Creators invent reroutes because algorithms suppress explicit words.
Attention Shapes Word Choice
- Adam Aleksic explains platforms bake attention incentives into their infrastructure.
- Creators optimize for retention and engagement, reshaping language toward virality.
