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Hashtags are a useful way to spread the awareness of an issue or event quickly to a wider audience. Before, people had to wait to watch the news or read the papers to keep up with current events, but Twitter and mobile devices allow for information to be easily accessible and for viral content to reach millions of people worldwide.

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There might be a lack of any actual work being done as a result of this awareness. Actions speak louder than words, and oftentimes nothing concrete or long-term is initiated to put an end to the issue at hand. Eventually, people move on to the next viral trend and the issue is forgotten.

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Activist Tarana Burke originated the saying in 2007 as part of a community-based movement for sexual assault survivors in underprivileged areas. Burke, who has been subjected to sexual violence herself, used this particular phrase to connect with other survivors and spread words of empathy and encouragement.

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The hashtag itself went viral when actress Alyssa Milano used it on Twitter in October of 2017 in the aftermath of the sexual misconduct allegations coming from prominent figures in Hollywood (Harvey Weinstein). She encouraged women to share their stories of sexual harassment/assault using the hashtag.

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In our opinion, the hashtag and online activism works at a certain point, meaning some users use hashtags for their own benefit but others use them to shine light on various issues. In regards to whether it creates change or not, we believe it does little to no change because many people often use hashtags just to gain recognition without even helping the cause.

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For example, the #ALSIceBucketChallenge was popularized a few years ago, which involved participants doing a “challenge”, which was to pour ice water over their head and then later donate to the foundation which helps those suffering from ALS. However, many of those who completed the challenge of the pouring of ice water did not even donate to the cause itself, demonstrating how hashtags are often used to just draw attention to oneself. Also, we believe no change comes from the hashtags, as most hashtags are fads. Each year there are plenty of hashtags being created to defend a cause, and on numerous occasions people participate and use the hashtag to stand with the issue, but the hashtag eventually fades and no change is made.

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In addition, we believe hashtag activism is simply a reflection of our shift to an online world as it is clear that the younger generations use hashtags to voice their opinions on Twitter, as well as create discussion with other users to gain insight on the issue.

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Vagianos, A. (2017, October 17).
The 'Me Too' Campaign Was Created By A Black Woman 10 Years Ago. Retrieved January 17, 2018, from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/the-me-too-campaign-was-created-by-a-black-woman-10-years-ago_us_59e61a7fe4b02a215b336fee

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Original phrase was first prominently used in 2007, but the hashtag itself only went viral in October of 2017.