"Algospeak": A Language Journalists Should Strive to Know
Algorithms have completely altered the way we interact online and their impact on content moderation is such that users are changing the way they communicate to bypass often unpredictable moderation decisions that could cause their content to be flagged, restricted, or removed.
Algospeak describes the expanding set of alternative spellings, symbols, and euphemisms used by content creators to bypass algorithmic censorship on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The term combines "algorithm" and "speak," emphasizing its creation as a form of coded language meant to circumvent automated moderation systems.
The issue with algorithms: They don’t understand context and their unnuanced approach to content moderation can place journalistic and educational content in the same boat as harmful content. This means creators have been forced to find ways to buck algorithms. Consider a 2022 piece from the MIT Technology Review that notes that “because many creators use multiple platforms, they must learn the hidden rules for each one” and that “some creators adapt their entire approach to producing and promoting content in response to the algorithmic and moderation biases they encounter.” Content creators, particularly those from marginalized communities, already view algorithms as tools used to suppress their voices, so finding different ways to communicate their ideas has become essential. `
Censorship makes online content less accessible; the ever-evolving nature of “algospeak” can help journalists understand how sensitive information is communicated in online spaces. By becoming attuned to this new language, journalists can become adept decoders and find stories worth telling even as platforms tighten their moderation policies. Journalists that report on digital culture who enhance their understanding of how content creators communicate within the constraints of platforms like TikTok and Instagram can not only find stories but lower the risk of misrepresenting them outright. Journalists who keep tabs on how the lexicon shifts to avoid having content flagged, restricted, or removed are better equipped to report on these communities with accuracy and sensitivity.
Understanding and appreciating digital culture to its fullest extent is about more than understanding the current language online. Adaptability is not only necessary—it can impact monetization strategies. Revenue streams tied to new algorithms and changes in platform policy can become uncertain. Adopting a multi-channel approach, such as incorporating podcasts, newsletters, and video streaming, allows news organizations to mitigate financial risks and tap into various revenue opportunities.
