Hashtags first appeared and were used within IRC networks to label groups and topics. They are also used to mark individual messages as relevant to a particular group, and to mark individual messages as belonging to a particular topic or “channel”. Generally, channels or topics that are available across an entire IRC network are prepended with a hash symbol # (as opposed to those local to a server, which use an ampersand ‘&’). Hashtags’ popularity grew concurrently with the rise and popularity of Twitter.
It inspired Chris Messina to propose a similar system to be used on Twitter to tag topics of interest on the microblogging network. He posted the first hashtag on Twitter:
Trends, deeply pushed and rooted from Hashtags, change every minute of every day. But there are common, weekly trends too. Here they are!
Selfie Sunday
Hastag: #SS
Ah, the “selfie”. Urban Dictionary breaks down selfie:
A picture taken of yourself that is planned to be uploaded to Facebook, Myspace or any other sort of social networking website. You can usually see the person’s arm holding out the camera in which case you can clearly tell that this person does not have any friends to take pictures of them so they resort to Myspace to find internet friends and post pictures of themselves, taken by themselves. A selfie is usually accompanied by a kissy face or the individual looking in a direction that is not towards the camera.
If you’re checking out Growing Social Media, you probably already knew what a selfie was.. and you’re probably guilty of taking that type of photo! Don’t worry, we are guilty too.
Man Crush Monday
Hashtag: #MCM
I don’t see how Man Crush Monday is really different than any other day of social media – but if you needed an excuse to share your 314 photos of Ryan Gosling, you might as well on Mondays!
Transformation Tuesday
Hashtag: #TT
Transformation Tuesday might be our favorite! Whether a new haircut, before and after from weight loss, or just past versus present – there are always great surprises.
Women Crush Wednesday
Hashtag: #WCW
In a similar fashion as Man Crush Monday, Women seems to take the reigns in photos. But, not just female celebrities, it also seems that it’s mostly women “crushing” on makeup, hairstyles, nail art, and puppies.
Throwback Thursday
Hashtag: #TBT
For most people, Throwback Thursday involves baby pictures, old movies or TV shows, old gadgets, etc etc etc. You get the point. Don’t be fooled though, most some people think that #TBT is a time to post a picture from a week ago.
Follow Friday
Hashtag: #FF
Follow Friday is the epitome of social media. Social media is where we share, connect, and more. So, spread the love and #FF your friends, your favorite brands, and more. Let your followers know who they should follow!
