Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language w/ Adam Aleksic (from TED Tech) episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 15, 2025 · 16 MIN

Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language w/ Adam Aleksic (from TED Tech)

from Short Wave

This week, we’re sharing a special episode from TED Tech exploring Gen Z slang 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. Technology’s role in our lives is evolving fast. TED Tech helps you explore the riveting questions and tough challenges we’re faced with that sit at the intersection of technology and humanity. Listen in every Friday, with host, journalist Sherrell Dorsey, as TED speakers explore the way tech shapes how we think about society, science, design, business, and more. Listen to TED Tech wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://link.mgln.ai/Ng9EKL See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

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Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language w/ Adam Aleksic (from TED Tech)

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