#Activism

Everybody knows them: hashtags. Originally coming from Twitter in its current form a hashtag is used to categorise and label topics and groups of interest thus allowing users to search for what really sparks their interest. By now those tags are used all across social media because of its usefulness.

For one, as I said, it provides a tool for organisation. Researching (whatever it might be) something is much easier if relevant "sources" mark their content as belonging to that category with a hashtag. 

Of course, it's a system of give and take - as always. Those sources do not tag their content for the simple purpose of being nice. They want their content to be seen, to be found. And by making it easier to be found, their popularity rises, of course. To generalise it: hashtags makes it easier to connect for users. Be it a connection between consumer and brand or be it between individuals discussing something - which already brings me to my next point. What's so great about social media is that it's so easy to meet new people but hashtags also make it easier for us to find like-minded people. If, for example, you are interested maine coon cats you might feel inclined to type #mainecoon into the search bar and - surprise! chances are you'll find a lot of people showing pictures of or talking about maine coons and you might get in touch with some of those people. Awesome, right? But there's much more to using hashtags for discussions than being a cat lover.

Some time ago I was talking about #CampusRassismus, a sort of social media campaign started by the PoC Hochschulgruppe Mainz and of Frankfurt that is meant to provide a space of discussion and to share experiences of PoC facing racism in Germany - and across the world. Their campaign has spread on Twitter and even bigger newspapers have talked about it. And again the power of social media is shown - and that there are so many forms of racism in Germany that are so conveniently ignored by many. I think it's great that social media helps spread opinions, voices, experiences that, in this case, have really shown that everyday racism is not just some coincidence, there's a pattern and that it should be talked about. It's important to note that this hashtag campaign is especially meant for those facing racism in order for them to share their realities - and this should be respected at all costs. But still, there are so many trolls weighing in on that discussion, be it complete stupidity or real intent to hurt and attack people. It's sad and aggravating that such a discussion platform is misused and actually abused by trolls - which is not only disrespectful but also harmful. But unfortunately this is also part of social media. 

Anyone can weigh in on a discussion - which is a blessing and a curse all at the same time.