Algospeak

Last updated

Algospeak [lower-alpha 1] is the use of coded expressions to evade automated moderation algorithms on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. It is used to discuss topics deemed sensitive to moderation algorithms while avoiding penalties such as shadow banning. A type of internet slang, [4] Calhoun and Fawcett described it as a "linguistic self-censorship". [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [2] [12]

Contents

Algospeak is different from other types of netspeak in that its primary purpose is to avoid moderation, rather than to create communal identity. However, algospeak may still be used in online communities. [4]

In 2022, Forbes reported that almost a third of American social media users reported using "emojis or alternative phrases" to subvert content moderation. [13]

Causes

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. [5] TikTok in particular uses artificial intelligence (AI) for moderation purposes, in addition to reviewing user reports and employing human moderators. 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 AI moderation being contradictory and "inconsistent". [4] In addition, AI may miss important context; for example, communities who aid people who struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts may inadvertently get caught in the automated moderation. [8] [4]

Methods

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). [2]

Another method is where certain words may be censored, or in the case of auditory media, cut off or bleeped, i.e. s*icide instead of suicide.

Subject matters

TikTok users have used algospeak to discuss and provide support to those who self-harm. [14]

Examples

According to New York Times : [7]

Notes

  1. ↑ a blend of Algorithm and -speak [1] ; also known as slang replacement or Voldemorting [2] , referencing the fictional character known as "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named". [3]

See also

Fiction:

Related Research Articles

Doublespeak is language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms, in which case it is primarily meant to make the truth sound more palatable. It may also refer to intentional ambiguity in language or to actual inversions of meaning. In such cases, doublespeak disguises the nature of the truth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Euphemism</span> Innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive

A euphemism is an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that is deemed offensive or suggests something unpleasant. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay. Euphemisms may be used to mask profanity or refer to topics some consider taboo such as mental or physical disability, sexual intercourse, bodily excretions, pain, violence, illness, or death in a polite way.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leet</span> Online slang and alternative orthography

Leet, also known as eleet or leetspeak, or simply hacker speech, is a system of modified spellings used primarily on the Internet. It often uses character replacements in ways that play on the similarity of their glyphs via reflection or other resemblance. Additionally, it modifies certain words on the basis of a system of suffixes and alternative meanings. There are many dialects or linguistic varieties in different online communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Content moderation</span> System to sort undesirable contributions

On websites that allow users to create content, content moderation is the process of detecting contributions that are irrelevant, obscene, illegal, harmful, or insulting, in contrast to useful or informative contributions, frequently for censorship or suppression of opposing viewpoints. The purpose of content moderation is to remove or apply a warning label to problematic content or allow users to block and filter content themselves.

Weak artificial intelligence is artificial intelligence that implements a limited part of the mind, or, as narrow AI, is focused on one narrow task.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teleperformance</span> Multinational France-based omnichannel outsourcer

Teleperformance SE is a multinational company founded in 1978 with headquarters in France. It provides services for debt collection, telemarketing, customer relationship management, content moderation, and communication. Its services are operated in over 300 languages and dialects on behalf of companies in various industries.

Artificial intelligence marketing (AIM) is a form of marketing that uses artificial intelligence concepts and models such as machine learning, Natural process Languages, and Bayesian Networks to achieve marketing goals. The main difference between AIM and traditional forms of marketing resides in the reasoning, which is performed by a computer algorithm rather than a human.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like button</span> Communication software feature used to express support

A like button, like option, or recommend button is a feature in communication software such as social networking services, Internet forums, news websites and blogs where the user can express that they like, enjoy or support certain content. Internet services that feature like buttons usually display the number of users who liked each content, and may show a full or partial list of them. This is a quantitative alternative to other methods of expressing reaction to content, like writing a reply text. Some websites also include a dislike button, so the user can either vote in favor, against or neutrally. Other websites include more complex web content voting systems. For example, five stars or reaction buttons to show a wider range of emotion to the content.

Viral phenomena or viral sensation are objects or patterns that are able to replicate themselves or convert other objects into copies of themselves when these objects are exposed to them. Analogous to the way in which viruses propagate, the term viral pertains to a video, image, or written content spreading to numerous online users within a short time period. This concept has become a common way to describe how thoughts, information, and trends move into and through a human population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ByteDance</span> Chinese internet technology company

ByteDance Ltd. is a Chinese internet technology company headquartered in Haidian, Beijing and incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TikTok</span> Video-focused social media platform

TikTok, whose mainland Chinese counterpart is Douyin, is a short-form video hosting service owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance. It hosts user-submitted videos, which can range in duration from three seconds to 60 minutes. It can be accessed with a smartphone app.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media</span>

Social media became an important platform for interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the onset of social distancing. According to a study conducted by Facebook's analytics department, messaging rates rose by over 50% during this period. Individuals confined to their homes utilized social media not only to maintain social connections but also as a source of entertainment to alleviate boredom. Concerns arose regarding the overreliance on social media for primary social interactions, particularly given the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

There are reports of TikTok censoring political content related to China and other countries as well as content from minority creators. TikTok says that its initial content moderation policies, many of which are no longer applicable, were aimed at reducing divisiveness and were not politically motivated.

Algorithmic radicalization is the concept that recommender algorithms on popular social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook drive users toward progressively more extreme content over time, leading to them developing radicalized extremist political views. Algorithms record user interactions, from likes/dislikes to amount of time spent on posts, to generate endless media aimed to keep users engaged. Through echo chamber channels, the consumer is driven to be more polarized through preferences in media and self-confirmation.

Automated decision-making (ADM) involves the use of data, machines and algorithms to make decisions in a range of contexts, including public administration, business, health, education, law, employment, transport, media and entertainment, with varying degrees of human oversight or intervention. ADM involves large-scale data from a range of sources, such as databases, text, social media, sensors, images or speech, that is processed using various technologies including computer software, algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, augmented intelligence and robotics. The increasing use of automated decision-making systems (ADMS) across a range of contexts presents many benefits and challenges to human society requiring consideration of the technical, legal, ethical, societal, educational, economic and health consequences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YouTube Shorts</span> Reel sharing platform within Youtube

YouTube Shorts is the short-form section of the American online video-sharing platform YouTube. Shorts focuses on vertical videos that are less than 60 seconds of duration and various features for user interaction. As of May 2024, Shorts have collectively earned over 5 trillion views since the platform was made available to the public on July 13, 2021, which include video views that pre-date the YouTube Shorts feature. Creators earn money based on the amount of views they receive, or through ad revenue. The increased popularity of YouTube Shorts has led to concerns about addiction for teenagers.

Ronnie McNutt was a 33-year-old American man and US Army Reserve veteran from New Albany, Mississippi, who committed suicide by shooting himself under his chin on a Facebook livestream, which went viral on various social media platforms due to its inherent shock value.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filter (social media)</span> Effects used to alter the appearance of a digital image

Filters are digital image effects often used on social media. They initially simulated the effects of camera filters, and they have since developed with facial recognition technology and computer-generated augmented reality. Social media filters—especially beauty filters—are often used to alter the appearance of selfies taken on smartphones or other similar devices. While filters are commonly associated with beauty enhancement and feature alterations, there is a wide range of filters that have different functions. From adjusting photo tones to using face animations and interactive elements, users have access to a range of tools. These filters allow users to enhance photos and allow room for creative expression and fun interactions with digital content.

In the early 21st century, antisemitism was identified in social media platforms with up to 69 percent of Jews in the US having encountered antisemitism online according to the 2022 report released by "The State of Antisemitism in America". Jews have encountered antisemitism either as targets themselves or by being exposed to antisemitic content on their media page.

Far-right political groups use mainstream social media platforms for communication, propaganda, and mobilization. These platforms include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube. By leveraging viral trends, entertaining content, and direct interaction, far-right groups aim to spread their political messages, recruit followers, and foster a sense of community. Such activities are part of broader political processes and activities that involve the organization and spread of political values and ideologies.

References

  1. ↑ Kireeva, Anna (2022). "Neologisms: Sociolinguistic Approach". SSRN Electronic Journal. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4232119. ISSN   1556-5068.
  2. 1 2 3 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.
  3. ↑ McCulloch, Gretchen. "Welcome to Voldemorting, the Ultimate SEO Dis". Wired. ISSN   1059-1028 . Retrieved 2024-08-12.
  4. 1 2 3 4 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.
  5. 1 2 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.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. 1 2 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.
  8. 1 2 Kreuz, Roger J. (13 April 2023). "What is 'algospeak'? Inside the newest version of linguistic subterfuge". The Conversation . Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  9. ↑ Tellez, Anthony. "'Mascara,' 'Unalive,' 'Corn': What Common Social Media Algospeak Words Actually Mean". Forbes . Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  10. ↑ "From Camping to Cheese Pizza, 'Algospeak' is Taking over Social Media". Forbes . Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. ↑ Ifeanyi, KC (2022-10-31). "Decoding what algospeak really means for Content Creators". Fast Company.
  13. ↑ Levine, Alexandra S. "From Camping To Cheese Pizza, 'Algospeak' Is Taking Over Social Media". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  14. ↑ 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.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.