The terms "selfie," "catfish," and "upvote" exemplify which phenomenon in social media?

The terms "selfie," "catfish," and "upvote" represent neologisms, which are newly coined words or phrases that emerge to describe new concepts, especially in the context of evolving technologies and social interactions on platforms such as social media. Each of these terms originated from specific societal changes and technological advancements, illustrating how language adapts to new realities.

"Selfie" refers to a self-taken photograph that gained popularity with the rise of smartphones with front-facing cameras. "Catfish" describes individuals who create false identities online, particularly in the context of online relationships, a phenomenon that has become more prevalent with social networking. "Upvote" is a term used on platforms like Reddit to indicate that users support or approve of content, showcasing a specific way of engaging with digital content that has become common in the realm of social media.

While these terms can also be considered slang or jargon, the most accurate categorization is as neologisms because they capture the emergence of entirely new concepts and behaviors specific to the modern digital age. This dynamic nature of language in response to new experiences and technologies is central to understanding modern communication and interaction.