Are We Cooked? How Social Media Shapes Language | Adam Aleksic | TED
Summary
Social media algorithms are fundamentally changing language evolution, exemplified by the euphemism "unalive" born from platform censorship and the rapid spread of slang like "rizz" and "-core" aesthetics. This accelerated change, driven by engagement metrics, can create hyper-compartmentalized identities for commercial gain, and even propagate harmful ideologies previously confined to fringe groups. Understanding this algorithmic influence is crucial for navigating and preserving authentic communication in the digital age.