Latest news with #Aleksic
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Book Review: ‘Algospeak' shows just how much social media is changing us
How much has social media changed the way we talk and behave? That's the question linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic sets out to answer in his debut book 'Algospeak.' If you already know what words like 'yeet,' 'rizz,' 'brainrot' or 'blackpilled' mean, some of this information might not come as a surprise to you. Still, Aleksic's analysis reaffirms how this language came about and why it continues to proliferate. For those unfamiliar, it acts as an accessible entry point into social media slang and its evolution. 'Algospeak' touches on a wide array of topics, including in-groups and out-groups, censorship, language appropriation, extremism online, microtrends, clickbait and generational divides. The chapters build on each other with a textbook-level attention to vocabulary. This book serves as a sobering reality check on how social media is affecting not just our speech, but our entire identities. 'Social media creates new identities in order to commodify them,' Aleksic writes in a chapter about microtrends and micro-labels. 'Your decisions are now curated for you under the guise of personalization, while in reality they're engineered to make platforms as much money as possible.' As a self-proclaimed 'etymology nerd,' Aleksic leans heavily into his experience as a content creator, providing a crash course into social media history and how to game the ever-changing and opaque 'algorithm.' His tone is academic, yet approachable, and he's bold but pragmatic in his assertions, exploring counterarguments sufficiently. He identifies the transient nature of language and the algorithm immediately, since the cultural references in 'Algospeak' risk expiring quickly as trends change and social media platforms shift — but that's the point. ''The algorithm' is here to stay. This is why I think it's absolutely worth talking about even the most fleeting words,' Aleksic writes. Aleksic's writing feels personable and knowledgeable as he translates his online presence offline, and in doing so, demonstrates his own claims about parasocial relationships and owning one's audience. Keeping up with the algorithmic cycle is portrayed as exhausting, but as a necessary evil for influencers supporting their livelihoods through social media. "Algospeak" is a fascinating blend of etymology, psychology, cultural analysis and first-person perspective. The book acts as both a snapshot of our current, social media-imbued society and as an intellectual foundation for language developments to come. Aleksic leaves his reader with questions about the threats and opportunities that stem from social media developments, but undeniably one principle is true: social media has breached containment and is influencing not only the way we talk, but the way we live. 'Algorithms are the culprits, influencers are the accomplices, language is the weapon, and you, dear reader, are the victim,' he writes. ___ AP book reviews:
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Book Review: ‘Algospeak' shows just how much social media is changing us
How much has social media changed the way we talk and behave? That's the question linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic sets out to answer in his debut book 'Algospeak.' If you already know what words like 'yeet,' 'rizz,' 'brainrot' or 'blackpilled' mean, some of this information might not come as a surprise to you. Still, Aleksic's analysis reaffirms how this language came about and why it continues to proliferate. For those unfamiliar, it acts as an accessible entry point into social media slang and its evolution. 'Algospeak' touches on a wide array of topics, including in-groups and out-groups, censorship, language appropriation, extremism online, microtrends, clickbait and generational divides. The chapters build on each other with a textbook-level attention to vocabulary. This book serves as a sobering reality check on how social media is affecting not just our speech, but our entire identities. 'Social media creates new identities in order to commodify them,' Aleksic writes in a chapter about microtrends and micro-labels. 'Your decisions are now curated for you under the guise of personalization, while in reality they're engineered to make platforms as much money as possible.' As a self-proclaimed 'etymology nerd,' Aleksic leans heavily into his experience as a content creator, providing a crash course into social media history and how to game the ever-changing and opaque 'algorithm.' His tone is academic, yet approachable, and he's bold but pragmatic in his assertions, exploring counterarguments sufficiently. He identifies the transient nature of language and the algorithm immediately, since the cultural references in 'Algospeak' risk expiring quickly as trends change and social media platforms shift — but that's the point. ''The algorithm' is here to stay. This is why I think it's absolutely worth talking about even the most fleeting words,' Aleksic writes. Aleksic's writing feels personable and knowledgeable as he translates his online presence offline, and in doing so, demonstrates his own claims about parasocial relationships and owning one's audience. Keeping up with the algorithmic cycle is portrayed as exhausting, but as a necessary evil for influencers supporting their livelihoods through social media. "Algospeak" is a fascinating blend of etymology, psychology, cultural analysis and first-person perspective. The book acts as both a snapshot of our current, social media-imbued society and as an intellectual foundation for language developments to come. Aleksic leaves his reader with questions about the threats and opportunities that stem from social media developments, but undeniably one principle is true: social media has breached containment and is influencing not only the way we talk, but the way we live. ___
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Book Review: ‘Algospeak' shows just how much social media is changing us
How much has social media changed the way we talk and behave? That's the question linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic sets out to answer in his debut book 'Algospeak.' If you already know what words like 'yeet,' 'rizz,' 'brainrot' or 'blackpilled' mean, some of this information might not come as a surprise to you. Still, Aleksic's analysis reaffirms how this language came about and why it continues to proliferate. For those unfamiliar, it acts as an accessible entry point into social media slang and its evolution. 'Algospeak' touches on a wide array of topics, including in-groups and out-groups, censorship, language appropriation, extremism online, microtrends, clickbait and generational divides. The chapters build on each other with a textbook-level attention to vocabulary. This book serves as a sobering reality check on how social media is affecting not just our speech, but our entire identities. 'Social media creates new identities in order to commodify them,' Aleksic writes in a chapter about microtrends and micro-labels. 'Your decisions are now curated for you under the guise of personalization, while in reality they're engineered to make platforms as much money as possible.' As a self-proclaimed 'etymology nerd,' Aleksic leans heavily into his experience as a content creator, providing a crash course into social media history and how to game the ever-changing and opaque 'algorithm.' His tone is academic, yet approachable, and he's bold but pragmatic in his assertions, exploring counterarguments sufficiently. He identifies the transient nature of language and the algorithm immediately, since the cultural references in 'Algospeak' risk expiring quickly as trends change and social media platforms shift — but that's the point. ''The algorithm' is here to stay. This is why I think it's absolutely worth talking about even the most fleeting words,' Aleksic writes. Aleksic's writing feels personable and knowledgeable as he translates his online presence offline, and in doing so, demonstrates his own claims about parasocial relationships and owning one's audience. Keeping up with the algorithmic cycle is portrayed as exhausting, but as a necessary evil for influencers supporting their livelihoods through social media. 'Algospeak' is a fascinating blend of etymology, psychology, cultural analysis and first-person perspective. The book acts as both a snapshot of our current, social media-imbued society and as an intellectual foundation for language developments to come. Aleksic leaves his reader with questions about the threats and opportunities that stem from social media developments, but undeniably one principle is true: social media has breached containment and is influencing not only the way we talk, but the way we live. 'Algorithms are the culprits, influencers are the accomplices, language is the weapon, and you, dear reader, are the victim,' he writes. ___ AP book reviews:
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Book Review: ‘Algospeak' shows just how much social media is changing us
How much has social media changed the way we talk and behave? That's the question linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic sets out to answer in his debut book 'Algospeak.' If you already know what words like 'yeet,' 'rizz,' 'brainrot' or 'blackpilled' mean, some of this information might not come as a surprise to you. Still, Aleksic's analysis reaffirms how this language came about and why it continues to proliferate. For those unfamiliar, it acts as an accessible entry point into social media slang and its evolution. 'Algospeak' touches on a wide array of topics, including in-groups and out-groups, censorship, language appropriation, extremism online, microtrends, clickbait and generational divides. The chapters build on each other with a textbook-level attention to vocabulary. This book serves as a sobering reality check on how social media is affecting not just our speech, but our entire identities. 'Social media creates new identities in order to commodify them,' Aleksic writes in a chapter about microtrends and micro-labels. 'Your decisions are now curated for you under the guise of personalization, while in reality they're engineered to make platforms as much money as possible.' As a self-proclaimed 'etymology nerd,' Aleksic leans heavily into his experience as a content creator, providing a crash course into social media history and how to game the ever-changing and opaque 'algorithm.' His tone is academic, yet approachable, and he's bold but pragmatic in his assertions, exploring counterarguments sufficiently. He identifies the transient nature of language and the algorithm immediately, since the cultural references in 'Algospeak' risk expiring quickly as trends change and social media platforms shift — but that's the point. ''The algorithm' is here to stay. This is why I think it's absolutely worth talking about even the most fleeting words,' Aleksic writes. Aleksic's writing feels personable and knowledgeable as he translates his online presence offline, and in doing so, demonstrates his own claims about parasocial relationships and owning one's audience. Keeping up with the algorithmic cycle is portrayed as exhausting, but as a necessary evil for influencers supporting their livelihoods through social media. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'Algospeak' is a fascinating blend of etymology, psychology, cultural analysis and first-person perspective. The book acts as both a snapshot of our current, social media-imbued society and as an intellectual foundation for language developments to come. Aleksic leaves his reader with questions about the threats and opportunities that stem from social media developments, but undeniably one principle is true: social media has breached containment and is influencing not only the way we talk, but the way we live. 'Algorithms are the culprits, influencers are the accomplices, language is the weapon, and you, dear reader, are the victim,' he writes. ___ AP book reviews:
The Province
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Province
Canadian curler, 20, paralyzed by rare condition: 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself'
'Still finding a way to look on the bright side': Brook Aleksic was working a summer job when she suddenly 'lost all sensation from the chest down' Brook Aleksic and her teammates are the focus of the documentary Curl Power. Aleksic was recently diagnosed with a rare condition that caused her to become paralyzed from the neck down. Photo by The Impact Series A 20-year-old woman and curler from B.C. has been left paralyzed by a rare neurological condition called transverse myelitis. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The story of Brook Aleksic has been shared on fundraising website GoFundMe. Aleksic's former curling coach, Diane Dezura, an Olympic bronze medalist in the sport, organized the fundraiser. As of Monday, it was around $6,000 shy of its $100,000 goal. Aleksic was working at a golf course in Saskatchewan for the summer while living with family when she suddenly 'lost all movement and sensation from the chest down,' according to her GoFundMe. 'Her onset was rapid and severe,' says the fundraising site. 'She can't move her legs, sit up, or care for herself. The damage to her spinal cord is extensive. While there is hope for some recovery, her path will be long, uncertain and expensive.' Aleksic, a student at the University of Victoria, had also been featured with her friends in a curling documentary released last year. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The documentary Curl Power from director Josephine Anderson follows the lives of a teenage girls' curling team as they work towards a major tournament and growing up. Sav Miley, Brook Aleksic, Amy Wheatcroft, Hannah Smeed and Ashley Dezura. Photo by The Impact Series Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson, who directed Curl Power, filmed Aleksic and her curling teammates 'for much of their teenagehood, as they pursued their dream of becoming national champions,' she told National Post in an email over the weekend. Anderson said audience members connected with Aleksic. 'Brook always leans towards gratitude and optimism, even when facing difficult moments in her life,' said Anderson. 'When we filmed, Brook was bravely open about struggling with body image and self confidence. We had many, many audience members tell us that Brook was especially inspirational to them.' Anderson urged anyone who could help Aleksic and her family 'during this life altering time' to 'please come forward' to offer support. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Becoming paralyzed in a matter of hours is surely the biggest and scariest challenge she's had to face,' Anderson told National Post. 'But somehow Brook is still finding a way to look on the bright side.' Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately one to eight people per million each year in the United States, or roughly 1,400 new cases a year, according to the academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic. It's caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, which can damage myelin, the insulating material that covers your nerves, explains a webpage about the condition by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. There is no cure, but there are treatments that include high doses of steroids or plasma exchange therapy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A third of those with transverse myelitis can have a full or near-full recovery, according to Johns Hopkins. Another third can have 'fair recovery' while the final third could 'recover poorly and have major physical disabilities.' Recovery can take up to two years. Aleksic was diagnosed in June, CTV News reported. Her mother, Shannon Joanisse, told the Canadian broadcaster that 'within two hours of waking up' one morning, she was 'completely paralyzed from her neck down.' She described Aleksic as a 'ray of light' and a 'fighter' with a 'huge circle of friends,' who was going to university to become an elementary school teacher. Joanisse, an accomplished curler herself, said she was grateful for the support she's received. 'Complete strangers have reached out supporting us, and we can't thank them enough for that. Thank you to everyone,' she told CTV News. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dezura organized the GoFundMe page on behalf of Joanisse. She estimated that as of July 4, Aleksic would have had 14 plasma exchanges. Each exchange uses blood from nearly 13 donors, Dezura said, which is why it's 'really important' to get the message out there about plasma donation. Aleksic was recently transported from a hospital in Regina, Sask., to one in Vancouver, according to a GoFundMe update on July 5. 'This move brings her one step closer to the answers, treatment options, and the hope of recovery we're all praying for. She arrived safely and is settling in,' the update said. 'Thank you to each and every one of you for your support, prayers, and generous donations. You are making this possible for her.' Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Crime News Vancouver Whitecaps Entertainment
