The Dynamics of Slang in the Digital Era: A Sociolinguistic Study on the Influence of the TikTok App on Generation Alpha

Abstract

Slang is a form of language frequently used among Generation Alpha, reflecting diverse linguistic usages, each with its own distinct characteristics. This study aims to describe the formation process of various slang terms used by Generation Alpha across different social media platforms. A qualitative research approach, combined with a literature review, was employed to gather data from various sources that support this research. The study concludes that easy access to information—facilitated by sophisticated platforms—allows adolescents, particularly those in Generation Alpha, to readily engage with a wide array of content. This ease of access, coupled with constant interaction within the digital realm from an early age, serves as a primary factor in the formation and dissemination of Generation Alpha’s slang. This phenomenon emerges as a natural response to the digital environment they inhabit; their interactions—whether online or offline—shape their modes of communication. The need for existence—the desire to be acknowledged and recognized—is a fundamental human need, driven by an innate urge to learn and understand more about the world. Over time, today’s adolescents increasingly seek to assert their presence within their environments, a tendency that arises once they have cultivated a sense of pride in themselves and what they possess. For them, establishing this sense of existence is crucial, as it forms the cornerstone for the development of their character and identity. By expressing who they are and what they believe in, they learn to carve out their own paths within their world.