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The Almighty Hashtag

The Almighty Hashtag has the Power!

Definition of a HASHTAG by Wikipedia: “A hashtag is a type of label or metadata tag used on social networks and microblogging services which makes it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme of content.”

The hashtag has become a crucial part of online communication. It became a widespread ‘tool’ in social media when Twitter launched its use in modern times. This became a tool for grouping topics together. It was, however, originally rejected by Twitter but the hashtag was then used by journalists to report major events in 2007. Its use has skyrocketed from there, and the modern day hashtag was born.

Hashtags are everywhere. We see them on social media (of course), but we see them in newspapers, printed books, websites and flyers. All promoting trends, causes, thoughts, events, topics etc. – leading the masses back to social media.

We see celebrities, thankfully not too many, on chat shows … and while we watch them on the TV, some will be on the couch chatting to the host and tweeting on their smartphone about the chat show experience. Other shows, like The Voice, encourage fans to engage with the show and tweet during each episode to which the show then displays real time tweets on the TV during the show.

We see individuals, groups, organisations and businesses showing their support for events around the world through the almighty hashtag with thousands of hashtags going viral. A prime example includes the hashtags #PrayForParis and #JeSuisParis after the terror attacks in Paris.

Twitter revealed the most popular hashtags in 2015 included: #JeSuisParis, #BlackLivesMatter, #MarriageEquality, #HomeToVote, #LoveWins, #RefugeesWelcome, #IStandWithAhmed, #Election2015, #FifaWWC, #PlutoFlyby and #TheDress. (Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/twitters-biggest-moments-of-2015-a6763036.html)

The power of the hashtag is truly remarkable and there is no sign of its power diminishing, only growing. Will your next tweet take on a life of its own and go viral?

business hashtag infographic
(source: The Huffington Post. Twitter image via Shuttershock)