Entry #7: Why Hashtags?

 

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Hashtags: Where did they come from, and why do we use them? Chris Messina made hashtags popular, intending to help group similar subjects in posts. However, the use of hashtags has definitely evolved from his original tweet. Now, people use hashtags on all popular social media platforms and even through texting.

Hashtags make it easier to find specific posts of the same subject. Such as if you search #fitness you can find a variety of workouts, food ideas, and even tips for the gym. The other day I went down a rabbit hole researching bookbinding. Using a hashtag helped me find videos that showed the whole process along with different tools used and different designs. 

Hashtags can help engagement of posts. On TikTok, people use #fyp on posts to gain more views and likes. The engagement aspect of hashtags has evolved activism. People will use certain hashtags to help spread awareness. #IceBucketChallenge was a popular hashtag used to help spread awareness on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The challenge was to be soaked by a bucket of ice water and be filmed or donate money to ALS research. With the money raised the ALS Association was able to make a breakthrough allowing them to further their research to find a cure to the disease. 

While I don't use hashtags when I post, I definitely use them while scrolling through social media. They have become a very useful tool for all people whether for both the posters and the lookers.