A hash tag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#) used on social media websites and applications, especially Twitter, to identify messages on a specific topic. This means a word that has a hash tag you can click on it and see more of the same or track an on-going topic. A hash tag in front of any word means the sender wants to draw your attention to that word or a phrase. It may be for fun or routine, but most importantly, it may be to spread the news about an on-going social topic or discourse.
In the past, we have seen the momentum generated by the use of hash tags and it’s shaping up to do even more in 2018. Some of the hash tags that have created global impact include #Bringbackourgirls, #Childnotbride, etc. 2017 saw an even bigger movement with #Libya, #EndSars, #ResumeOrResign, #Monkeypox, #NotTooYoungToRun and then the ones that sprang up from religious activities and entertainment like #HalleluyahChallenge, #BAAD17, etc.
All are geared towards bringing more people into the discourse or popularizing an issue or just getting people talking! The aim is to create awareness, educate, inform and entertain. Clicking on any of them springs up thousands of tweets, instagram posts, etc. It also create interaction between people all over the world.
The hash tag movement is poised to have even more power this year, case in point is the just concluded 75th Golden Globes, which was held on January 7, this year, and the hash tag, #TimesUp was used to create awareness on some worrisome issues such as abuse, discrimination, and equality as well as other social issues. Another hash tag, #Whywewearblack, was generated as well and everyone who attended the show wore black, all to support a cause! It started a lot of conversations with people wanting to know what it was all about and how they could help. It also showed solidarity to everyone who had been a victim of crimes. After Oprah’s speech, #Oprah2020 trended and major news stations and sites were discussing the potential of Oprah running for the highest seat in 2020!
Here in Nigeria, hash tags have also been utilized for the greater good. You can find a community of fitness partners and personnel in your area simply by clicking on any fitfam hash tag. E.g #LagosFitfam. During the most sensational celebrity wedding last year, sellers on Twitter and Instagram capitalized on it and peddled their wares by using the hashtag #BAAD17, so everyone who clicked on the tag saw their wares. In essence, they made use of an already popular tag to do business. This is yet another way to make use of the hash tag.
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#NotTooYoungToRun opened a lot of young people’s eyes to the possibilities and eventually that bill was passed at the senate. We might still be a long way from having a 45 year old president but at least we know it is a possibility. #EndSars also exposed a lot of overlooked atrocities by the group. Tracking the link revealed horror stories that got the nation pushing for a ban of the group. Most people only knew of the Monkey pox epidemic by following a hash tag! Controversies are also started and fueled by the use of hash tags. In October, Nigerian Twitter lost its mind with the #FreeAdebowale hash tag and it set off a chain reaction. Ultimately, hash tags are social media’s super power.
For the forthcoming elections in Nigeria, hash tags can be used to create awareness to the issues Nigerians will need to decide on come February 2019. Starting informative hash tags like #VotersCard can constantly remind young people to get the necessary documentation needed, that will be our voice come 2019. #MakeYourVoteCount, #Vote2019, can all be great tools. During the last elections, #NigeriaDecides trended and got information out to the people.
Hash tags are sometimes abused, but its usefulness outweighs the disadvantages. Social media has its pitfalls and downsides but this one is an advantage all the way, an advantage we need to embrace.
