Name: Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language
Uploaded: 2025-05-13T14:44:26Z
Duration: 13 min 55 s
Description: Gen Z slang is rife with new words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algorithms are reshaping the way people talk and view their very own identities.

Adam Aleksic: Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language

Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language

Gen Z slang is rife with new words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algorithms are reshaping the way people talk and view their very own identities.

Social media platforms are not just changing how we communicate, but they're also reshaping our identities through language. New terms like 'unalive' and 'cottagecore' emerge as users navigate algorithmic restrictions and trend dynamics. While words spread rapidly through viral memes, their origins and meanings can become distorted or appropriated, raising concerns about cultural impact. Despite these challenges, the evolution of language continues, revealing both opportunities and pitfalls in digital communication.

Social Media Algorithms Are Shaping Our Language and Identities

The rise of social media has given birth to new slang like 'unalive' and 'rizz,' driven by algorithms that influence how words are created and spread. These platforms reward content that drives engagement, leading to rapid language evolution. While new words can empower marginalized communities, they can also propagate extremist rhetoric. As language becomes a tool for identity and commerce, awareness of its origins and effects is crucial.