The Power of the Hashtag

Hashtags weren't even a thing a less than a decade ago--my parents barely know how to reference it properly today, but in its short lived career it has managed to take over the social media world.

In 2007, the pound sign (#) was introduced to social media platforms allowing users to type it before a word in order to tag it or in other words, add it to a group of that subject. For example, on Instagram I can "#VEGAS" and my picture will show up on a search with everyone else who "#VEGAS" as well.

Hashtags connect people.
In a way, hashtags have made it possible for people to connect and share on a level that had never been reached before. Hash-tagging (a word likely made up by this hashtag era) "JusticeForMichaelBrown" on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and such connected people all over the world to share their thoughts and feelings about an unarmed black boy that was shot and killed by police.

Hashtags spread news.
I can easily say something I saw or what I think about a particular subject on Twitter, but it will only get seen by a few of my 180 Twitter friends scrolling through that day. When I add a hashtag or three in it, it becomes accessible to the entire Twitter world. It's revolutionary because information can spread in seconds in comparison to decades ago. If I see Justin Bieber selling marijuana at the bus stop, I can post it to social media hashtag a few things and soon the whole world will know. Personally, when I'm stuck on the freeway and pass a huge accident, I'll tweet it with the hashtags of the name of the freeway and Los Angeles or traffic--hoping to possibly spare someone from the agony.

Hashtags start movements.
A few months ago, a transexual by the name of "Sister Roma" on Facebook was deactivated by Facebook for not complying with their "real-name policy". It made sense that Facebook would have this regulation because they want their communication platform to be legitimate, safe, and credible. However, Sister Roma said this was the name she truly identified with and took to social media with the #MyNameIs. Thousands of people saw the hashtag and joined the movement. The hashtag eventually lead to Facebook changing their policy.

Hashtags can be abused.
Sometimes people abuse hashtags for their own personal gain. These people are often called "Hashtag Whores". They post a picture and then they add 25 hashtags on it to gain followers or likes. If someone on social media hashtags #LikeForLike or #FollowForFollow... they will likely get unfollowed by me. I'm on social media for friends and information, not for a popularity contest.