Because Algospeak
6 days ago
- #linguistics
- #digital communication
- #social media
- Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch explores the historical impact of the Internet on language, focusing on informal writing and emojis as gestures.
- Algospeak by Adam Aleksic examines how social media algorithms influence language evolution, including euphemisms to evade content filters and the impact on identity labeling.
- Both books highlight the dynamic nature of language influenced by digital communication, with Because Internet offering a historical perspective and Algospeak focusing on current algorithmic pressures.
- The Algorithm in social media prioritizes advertiser-friendly content, leading to creative language adaptations like 'unalive' for sensitive topics.
- Decentralized social media platforms like the Fediverse and Bluesky are presented as alternatives where language can evolve freely without algorithmic constraints.