In preparation for our feature, I’ve been doing a lot of reading surrounding the hashtag phenomenon. From learning how teenaged One Direction fans are utilising the tool , to rants from the critics, to love letters from the fans, to the most basic of tips – if it’s an #opinion, I’ve read it.
I personally use hashtags completely incorrectly, more as a method of commentary than to contribute to any actual conversation (except for my one true weakness – #TheBachelorAU), but it’s fascinating to see how hashtags are used by others to create these dialogues and actual change (or is it just the illusion of change?).
I hope our feature will allow for some real exploration into the trend and it’s journalistic impact, outside of just #throwbackthursday and #selfie #nofilter.
Georgie