Algospeak

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Algospeak[a] is the use of coded expressions to evade automated moderation algorithms on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. Users use algospeak to discuss topics deemed sensitive to moderation algorithms while avoiding penalties such as shadow banning. A type of netspeak,[3] Calhoun and Fawcett described it as a "linguistic self-censorship".[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][1][11]

Causes[edit]

Many social media platforms use automated content moderation systems to align content with the platform's guidelines, which are often not determined by the users themselves.[4] Tiktok, in particular, employs human moderators and artificial intelligence, in addition to reviewing user reports. Such AIs are often called "algorithms" or "bots" despite them not following a strict algorithm. TikTok's unequal enforcement on topics such as LGBT and obesity has led a to a view of it being contradictory and "inconsistent".[3] In addition, AI may miss important context. Communities who aid people who struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts may inadvertantly get caught in the automated moderation.[7] and the black box model of AIs makes it opaque to research.[3]

Algospeak is different from other types of netspeak in that its primary purpose is to avoid moderation, instead of helping to create communal identity, though algospeak may be used in online communities.[3]

As of 2022 according to Forbes, almost a third of American social media users reported using "emojis or alternative phrases" to subvert content moderation.[12]

Methods[edit]

Algospeak uses techniques akin to those used in Aesopian language to conceal the intended meaning from automated content filters, while being understandable to human readers. One such method draws from leetspeak, where letters are replaced with lookalike characters (eg. $3X for sex).[1]

Subject matters[edit]

Tiktok users has used algospeak to discuss and provide support to those who self-harm.[13]

Examples[edit]

According to New York Times:[6]

  • le dollar bean – lesbian
  • accountant - sex worker
  • unalive - dead
  • cornucopia - homophobia
  • leg booty - LGBTQ
  • nip nops - nipples
  • seggs - sex

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ also known as Voldemorting or slang replacement,[1] a blend of Algorithm and -speak.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Stano, Simona (2022). "Linguistic guerrilla warfare 2.0: On the "forms" of online resistance". Rivista Italiana di Filosofia del Linguaggio (2022: SFL - Language, powers, rights (eds. A. Bertollini & S. Garello)). doi:10.4396/2022SFL13. ISSN 2036-6728.
  2. ^ Kireeva, Anna (2022). "Neologisms: Sociolinguistic Approach". SSRN Electronic Journal. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4232119. ISSN 1556-5068.
  3. ^ a b c d Steen, Ella; Yurechko, Kathryn; Klug, Daniel (September 2023). "You Can (Not) Say What You Want: Using Algospeak to Contest and Evade Algorithmic Content Moderation on TikTok". Social Media + Society. 9 (3). doi:10.1177/20563051231194586. ISSN 2056-3051.
  4. ^ a b Kendra, Alexia; Calhoun, Fawcett (December 30, 2023). ""They Edited Out her Nip Nops": Linguistic Innovation as Textual Censorship Avoidance on TikTok". Language@Internet. 21: 1–30.
  5. ^ Lorenz, Taylor (8 April 2022). "Internet 'algospeak' is changing our language in real time, from 'nip nops' to 'le dollar bean'". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b Delkic, Melina (2022-11-19). "Leg Booty? Panoramic? Seggs? How TikTok Is Changing Language". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  7. ^ a b Kreuz, Roger J. (13 April 2023). "What is 'algospeak'? Inside the newest version of linguistic subterfuge". The Conversation. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  8. ^ Tellez, Anthony. "'Mascara,' 'Unalive,' 'Corn': What Common Social Media Algospeak Words Actually Mean". Forbes. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  9. ^ "From Camping to Cheese Pizza, 'Algospeak' is Taking over Social Media". Forbes. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  10. ^ Klug, Daniel; Steen, Ella; Yurechko, Kathryn (2022). "How Algorithm Awareness Impacts Algospeak Use on TikTok". Companion Proceedings of the ACM Web Conference 2022. pp. 234–237. doi:10.1145/3543873.3587355. ISBN 9781450394192. S2CID 258377709. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  11. ^ Ifeanyi, KC (2022-10-31). "Decoding what algospeak really means for Content Creators". Fast Company.
  12. ^ Levine, Alexandra S. "From Camping To Cheese Pizza, 'Algospeak' Is Taking Over Social Media". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  13. ^ Vera, Valerie (October 2023). "Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Content Moderation on TikTok". Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology. 60 (1): 1164–1166. doi:10.1002/pra2.979. ISSN 2373-9231.
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