Hey friend,
Being a lover of words, I'm always curious when I discover the ways our language is changing.
For
instance, I just read an article about how the meaning of the word "bot" is shifting.
When I think "bot," I think robot. Automation. Not human.
But now, research has found that people on social media, Twitter/X specifically, are using "bot" as an insult to one who is human!
Quoting from the piece in NewScientist:
The team found that before 2017, the word was usually deployed alongside allegations of automated behaviour of the type that would traditionally fit the definition of a bot, such
as “software”, “script” or “machine”.
After that date, the use shifted. Now, the accusations have become more like an insult, dehumanising people, insulting them, and using this as a technique to deny their intelligence and deny their right to participate in a conversation.
What a-BOT that? 😁
Fascinating to watch how language changes!
Until next time...
Write on,
Renae :)
