Time to read: 2:31 minutes

{insert cold open about trying to find something - after researching early inspo’s for the #}

The problem (we are)

Most people DO NOT think about hashtags from the end user's point of view (pov).

They think about it selfishly:

• How can hashtags increase our reach?
• How can we create a unique hashtag that our audience can follow?
  • To increase our impressions
• How can hashtags enhance the message we wish to communicate?

I don't see many you's.

And that's the problem. Hashtags were founded from a place of utility. They have been disconnected from their origins.

I will paint a brief picture of its history and provide my thoughts on how to use them and whether they matter.

History of the

Our protagonist is Chris Messina.

In 2007, he proposed using hashtags on Twitter "to address specific communication challenges on the platform. He aimed to create a simple method for organizing group discussions and enhancing content discoverability without requiring technical expertise." (https://www.perplexity.ai/page/the-story-of-twitter-hashtags-ImYGjhEUQg2CGBeY3GXCyQ)

He was inspired by Internet Relay Chat (IRC), where the hash symbol was used to designate channels and topics. He also looked to platforms like Flickr and Delicious for ideas on incorporating user-generated tagging.

"Messina deliberately chose not to patent the hashtag concept, believing it should be 'born of the internet, and owned by no one'." (https://www.perplexity.ai/page/the-story-of-twitter-hashtags-ImYGjhEUQg2CGBeY3GXCyQ)

That last part hits (and holds the irony).

We hack hashtags for personal gain. Chris created the hashtags from a place of generosity.

My solution is to return to this humble beginning: