• Safwan AMM
• 16 September, 2025

Navigating Algospeak: When Social Media Becomes a Language Police

In today’s digital world, social media is no longer just about likes and shares. It has become a place where algorithms act like hidden police—deciding what words are “safe” and what must be silenced.

When Words Become Dangerous

Simple terms like sex, vagina, or suicide often get flagged, blocked, or downgraded. To escape punishment, users invent new spellings:

• “seggs” instead of sex
• “corn” instead of porn
• “unalive” instead of suicide

It may sound funny at first, but it creates a serious problem. By replacing real words with code, we send the message that normal human experiences—health, relationships, mental struggles—must remain hidden.

The Hidden Psychological Cost

Imagine a teenager in Colombo searching online for help with depression, but the word suicide has been buried under “unalive.” Imagine a young couple trying to learn about healthy intimacy but only finding “carrot and donut” slang instead of clear education.

When people can’t use correct language, open conversations shrink. Therapy-like discussions that could heal trauma turn into confusing jokes. This doesn’t just limit education—it builds shame and anxiety.

From Creativity to Censorship

For content creators, this invisible policing creates self-doubt. Every post feels like walking on eggshells: Will this word get flagged? Will my account be blocked?
The result? Safer, but duller content. Instead of authentic ideas, we see generic, “sanitized” videos and posts. Over time, valuable voices—educators, therapists, entrepreneurs—are discouraged from sharing freely.

A Sri Lankan Example

Take a small wellness startup in Colombo promoting sexual health awareness. Instead of teaching people about menstruation or safe intimacy with proper medical terms, they’re forced to say “that time of the month” or “backdoor play.” The audience laughs, but the real message gets lost. Customers miss genuine education, and the brand loses authority.

What We Can Learn

This growing “algospeak” culture is more than an inconvenience—it’s shaping the way society thinks. By avoiding real words, we risk losing real conversations. As entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders, we must find ways to balance platform rules with authentic, respectful communication.

Final Thought

Social media should empower learning, not silence it. If we want healthier communities—whether in Sri Lanka or anywhere else—we need to protect the space for free, therapeutic, and educational speech. Only then can brands, educators, and individuals truly connect with their audiences.