What is Algospeak?

Algospeak is when social media users swap certain words with alternative phrases to avoid triggering content moderation algorithms. It's essentially a coded vocabulary designed to bypass automated content moderation systems.

When platforms flag certain topics as potentially sensitive or inappropriate, creators adapt by substituting problematic terms with alternative words that communicate the same meaning without triggering the algorithm's filters.

For instance, a creator discussing mental health might say, "Many people have experienced thoughts of unaliving themselves," rather than using the word "suicide" which might trigger content restrictions.

What Are the Consequences of Using Algospeak?

While it helps people avoid unfair content restrictions, it also brings challenges: It can make posts cryptic and confusing for general audiences, force important issues to be discussed in veiled terms rather than directly, and widen the gap between users and platform moderators.

For regular users, this means your harmless posts might get wrongly flagged while truly harmful content can slip through by using clever word substitutions.