We may think it's just a hashtag, but it holds more power than we think. Hashtag activism also known as social activism is the act “ where individuals can fight or advocate for an important cause through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other networking sites” by using a political hashtag to spread a message. It’s also important to state that hashtags activism can include: the hashtag being written on posters, individuals responding with a certain action in relation to the hashtag such as #theASLIceBuckettChallenge, where celebrities and individuals around the world challenged others and engaged by throwing an ice of bucket on their heads for an important cause.
We have seen other forms of international hashtag activism that appeared in our media outlets such as #BringBackOurGirls where individuals around the world took photos of holding papers with this written hashtag, to advocate 276 schoolgirls that were abducted by Boko Haram in the northern Nigerian village of Chibok. Where hundreds of celebrities have participated including Pope Francis and Michelle Obama (our former president Barack Obama’s wife).
But has Hashtags become another form for freedom of speech? We have seen hashtag activism become a form for freedom of speech where they can have a voice and broadcast important topics, such as the "#BlackLivesMatter" movement. Where hundreds around the world came together and protested this hashtag and has led to other hashtags in relation such as #HandsUpDontShoot or #SayHerName. Hashtags now can be considered as another form of protest. However Hashtag Activism can allow for users to engage more freely just by using the political hashtag which would indicate their support.
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