how tech language became popular

Almost every day we say “WOW” at the effects of technology. New tools, features and discoveries are emerging all the time, while society fully embraces these innovations. So it’s no surprise that terms like “algorithm” and “engagement” are no longer exclusive to the tech sector.

Previously, these words were limited to Information Technology (IT) teams and seen as far removed from the “common” day, but today they are used by everyone, as if they were part of the standard vocabulary. And, stopping to think about the history of each of them, it is also no coincidence that they have evolved to this point.

Let's take the algorithm itself as an example. Its origins are due to the name of the 9th century Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, who wrote about numerical calculation methods. However, over time, the term has evolved to represent a set of instructions for solving a problem or performing a task step by step.

Of course, this change affected market perception, as several areas realized that algorithms were essential for the production of products and services. However, it was the increase in people's interaction with digital technologies that led to a broader and more casual understanding of the word by the population.

Today, the algorithm has gone beyond the level of a “technical” term and has become an everyday expression, because it is literally present in a series of routine situations.

The impact of algorithms on pop culture

“You’re messing with my algorithm.” This is certainly not an uncommon phrase among many friends, whether it’s when one of them puts on a song that no one likes on their favorite streaming platform or when another chooses a movie on Netflix that only they want to watch.

Well, this happens for the simple fact that algorithms are the invisible conductors that govern our digital lives, personalizing the delivery of content according to users' personal tastes. The songs we listen to, the series we watch, the news we read and even the memes we share are just some examples of how they know what we want. And this is before we have even made a choice.

This impact on pop culture is also reflected in the companies’ numbers. According to Spotify, up to 60% of music discoveries occur due to recommendations from their algorithm. In addition, social networks such as Instagram and TikTok use this solution to increase user engagement by up to 50%.

Digital privacy

“I talked about this restaurant and an ad for it appeared on Instagram.” This is another phrase that we have heard, said and even scared us at some point.

The fear we express about algorithmic omnipresence in a joking way actually raises important questions about privacy and data control that cannot be ignored. The famous example of searching for a store or product and seeing an advertisement for it on social media is not just a coincidence, but the result of constant monitoring of our online behavior.

There are two aspects of this scenario that should be looked at carefully. The first is the awareness that we need to be careful not to sacrifice our privacy in exchange for convenience and personalization. Technology may be one of humanity's greatest allies, but its use must always prioritize ethics and responsibility.

The second refers to the importance of popularizing the language of algorithms, in order to highlight the increase in technological accessibility. Innovation is promising, so we cannot be afraid to understand and control it as it develops around the world.

Fortunately, the growing demand for technology courses, such as programming and data, is an indication that we are on this path. We are witnessing a true global digital literacy, which goes beyond the search for purely technical and niche knowledge.

Algorithmic language is already the new alphabet, after all, it is shaping our daily experiences and influencing our choices. It is up to us to understand its characteristics with precision, awareness and discernment.