Hashtivism, better, #hashtag #activism, is the promotion of social, political, economic, and environmental ideas through typing a limited amount of characters, or a catch-phrase or word and placing it on our social media.
2. How is it similar/different to acts of hacktivism (if you don’t know what this is, google it)?
I think it differs substantially in the sense that it can be used for anything. Hacktivism, according to google, is “Hacktivism (a portmanteau of hack and activism) is the use of computers and computer networks to promote political ends, chiefly free speech, human rights, and information ethics.” Hashtivism belongs to anyone who has access to social media and they can propogate any idea they choose.
3. Who can and does engage in hashtivism?
Anyone that has social media can participate in hashtivism, nonetheless, businesses and individuals within the community who want to promote a particular message or most likely more apt to engage in hashtivism. Also, other media forums are engaging with twitter and facebook, including most television news anchors and producers to get information. There is truly no escaping it because its everywhere!
4. Can hashtivism create social change?
Yes, but most likely no. It can generate awareness about ideas and they can be the first step to get people interested, nonetheless to see actual policy changes, it takes more that hashtivism. People in positions of power have to know that it will affect votes and that is what will prompt them to provide change as demonstrated in the Koney 2012 video.
5. Is hashtivism better suited for some social change more than others?
I think it’s too early to tell. We are being exposed to so much on a daily basis with social media it proves hard to determine whether or not a particular issue is going to tug at an individuals heart strings. Its all very subjective and there is no equation to determine what someone is tuned into or not
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