A Scientific American “60-Second Science” episode examines how algorithmic social media shapes everyday language, focusing on rapidly spreading slang and related communication trends. The discussion features linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic—known as the “Etymology Nerd”—and Allison Parshall, an associate editor who covers the mind and brain. They talk about examples of viral slang, including “skibidi,” and the broader rise of terms associated with “brain rot,” a label used online for content trends that people perceive as low-attention or mentally numbing. The episode frames these changes as part of how social media platforms, guided by recommendation systems, influence what vocabulary spreads and how quickly it catches on. It highlights that algorithms can accelerate cultural and linguistic shifts by repeatedly surfacing particular memes, phrases, and formats to large audiences. The episode originally aired in September and is edited and fact-checked as part of the program’s standard production process.