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Algospeak and the Cost of Speaking Under Algorithmic Suppression
When millions of creators have to say 'unalive' instead of suicide and use a grape emoji instead of talking about rape, something has gone wrong. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Poston discusses her dissertation research on the psychological impact of algospeak, the deliberate language modifications social media creators use to evade algorithmic content moderation, where those strategies actually come from, what happens when they spread, and what it costs the people who need them most. Portions of this research are currently being prepared for peer-reviewed journal publication. Dissertation successfully defended June 2026, in process for publication July 2026, available to public mid-to-end August 2026.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
00:44 What Is Algospeak
02:40 Origins and Raciolinguistics
04:13 Why I Studied This
05:28 Methods and Dataset
07:03 Emotional Toll
08:54 Cognitive Load
12:50 "Neutralization Lifecycle"
15:11 Beyond Algorithms Harassment
16:10 What Needs to Change
17:53 What Changed Since Study
19:31 Key Takeaways and Sign Off
Note: had some trouble with the audio leveling this week on a word or two, if I have time I'll re-record and replace those segments this weekend.
★ Support this podcast ★
When millions of creators have to say 'unalive' instead of suicide and use a grape emoji instead of talking about rape, something has gone wrong. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Poston discusses her dissertation research on the psychological impact of algospeak, the deliberate language modifications social media creators use to evade algorithmic content moderation, where those strategies actually come from, what happens when they spread, and what it costs the people who need them most. Portions of this research are currently being prepared for peer-reviewed journal publication. Dissertation successfully defended June 2026, in process for publication July 2026, available to public mid-to-end August 2026.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
00:44 What Is Algospeak
02:40 Origins and Raciolinguistics
04:13 Why I Studied This
05:28 Methods and Dataset
07:03 Emotional Toll
08:54 Cognitive Load
12:50 "Neutralization Lifecycle"
15:11 Beyond Algorithms Harassment
16:10 What Needs to Change
17:53 What Changed Since Study
19:31 Key Takeaways and Sign Off
Note: had some trouble with the audio leveling this week on a word or two, if I have time I'll re-record and replace those segments this weekend.
Creators and Guests
What is PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world?
PsyberSpace® is a weekly psychology podcast for curious people who want to understand why the world feels the way it does, online and offline. The show helps you name what you’re seeing and feeling, understand the science behind it, and figure out what to do next.
If you've ever wondered what makes "reply guys" tick, why we fall for emotionally manipulative language in politics, why meetings suck, why comfort can keep us stuck, why limerence hits so hard, or how music and media reshape your brain, you’re in the right place. New episodes drop every Monday to help you understand your world a little better each week.
PsyberSpace looks at how psychology, media, and big systems shape everyday life. Some weeks it’s algorithms, AI, and social platforms; other weeks it’s work culture, gender and power, climate anxiety, grief, or the way capitalism sets the baseline for what “normal” looks like. Each episode breaks down how these patterns show up in real people’s bodies and minds—and what you can do to respond with more clarity, care, and agency in your own life, work, and community.
2025 Webby Award Honoree
2026 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee
2025 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee
2024 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee