Blog #7 The cultural impact of the hashtag



                                             https://sproutsocial.com/insights/hashtag-analytics/


Since its conception in 2007 as a way to group information together, the hashtag has transformed into a cultural, political and social tool which speaks for younger generations. Its impact has shaped the way people conduct themselves and has changed social perceptions held regarding important topics such as sexual assault allegations and racial inequities.  

Through a simple post, anyone with social media access can spread a message which can inform and rally other people against a social issue. By doing so, groups of people who traditionally have gone ignored such as women and minorities are given a voice and a platform which in modern day is used to inform others about the specific struggles of being a minority group and what should be changed to make society a safer place to said group. Hashtag movements such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter are a prime example, as they have brought attention to both the sheer amount of sexual harassment cases in industries such as Hollywood and to the excessive amounts of police brutality to the African American community. This is a great leap forward for both women and minorities as before the use of the internet, where everyone can post any idea freely, people had to take allegations to publishers or news stations to gain media attention.  

                                            https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/movements/me-too/

By using the hashtag, people and communities who have traditionally been silenced can have a voice and a group social impact. A social platform is no longer limited to the select certain demographics of people who have the resources to buy one.  


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