Entry #7 Hashtag

                                The Hashtag

The hashtag has developed throughout the years as a popular way to get things out there. But how did it all start? How did they even gain popularity amongst users? Lets dive in to it.

To be honest I can still recall when hashtags started picking up steam on Twitter. At first they seemed like a way to categorize tweets or add some humor to some posts. Fast to today and hashtags have become tools for organizing content starting conversations and uniting communities worldwide. But what makes them so important? Well they're amazing at bringing people over shared interests, causes or events. Like when there's an important cause that is trending people will use the hashtag for that cause. 

It's not just, about causes and activism. Hashtags have also changed how we find content and connect with people who share our interests. With platforms such, as Instagram and TikTok we now have the ability to discover a range of photos, videos and stories effortlessly by clicking on hashtags. It's like having access to a world right at our fingertips. The popularity of hashtags has caught the attention of marketers and brands. Businesses of all sizes are utilizing hashtags to expand their reach increase engagement and enhance brand awareness. Whether it's #Nike, #Adidas or #CFA companies are using hashtags to generate excitement around what they have to offer like never before.

However like Uncle Ben from the movie Spiderman said with great power comes great responsibility. While hashtags have brought us closer in ways they have also sparked discussions about privacy concerns, misinformation and online bullying. Not every trending contributes positively so it's crucial for us as users to use this tool responsibly.

What's the future for hashtags? Will it maintain its dominance, in the realm of media or will it be overshadowed by something else? Only time will reveal the answer. 

Love them or hate them it's undeniable that hashtags have become a part of our interactions influencing how we communicate, connect and express ourselves in todays era.