Critiquing the Clock App: How Content Moderation Filters Change Language

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2023-06-29

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en

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In the lieu of social justice movements on social media platforms, creators have noted their content being suppressed by the algorithms at work. This thesis aims to research one of the ways content creators in this context choose to use Algospeak as a means to avoid the content moderation filters. The specific case study in question is the use of the term 'the clock app' in place of the brand name 'TikTok'. In my first analytical chapter I analyze the direct terms of ‘the clock app’ and ‘TikTok’ through the use of semiotics. I follow this up in the second chapter by comparing these terms to how I see the term ‘the clock app’ used in videos by six creators, who were making content within the Black Lives Matter movement. In a concluding statement, I discuss these different meanings and uses, as well as the opportunities for further research.

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Faculteit der Letteren