Elon Musk declares hashtags useless, internet reacts

Whether you love them or hate them, hashtags have been a staple of social media forever (at least since 2007). But now, Elon Muskthe man behind it X (formerly Twitter) has declared war on hashtags.

Yes, you heard that right – he thinks they are ugly, pointlessand we all need to stop using them.

What did Musk actually say?

On Tuesday, Musk used his own platform to share a simple but bold message:

@elonmusk: “Please stop using hashtags. The system no longer needs them and they look ugly.”

And suddenly the internet did what it always does: it erupted into chaos. Some users praised Musk’s comment and agreed that hashtags are essentially relics of the past. Other? Let’s just say they responded with enough sarcasm and memes to fill a hashtag hall of fame.

Is this the end of hashtags?

According to Musk, X’s search algorithm and content discovery systems have advanced to the point where hashtags are no longer needed. In his opinion, they are visually unattractive and make posts confusing.

It’s worth noting that there’s no official policy change here – hashtags still work and no one is stopping you from slapping #JustSaying on your next post. But Musk’s comment definitely raises a question: Are hashtags still relevant in 2024?

For many users, hashtags are a way to make content discoverable, participate in trending conversations, or simply add a little humor to a post. However, others argue that they have outlived their purpose, especially when platforms like X have tools like search algorithms and trending topics to highlight content without the need for those little # symbols.

The internet reacts: “Ugly? But I love Ugly!”

X users wasted no time in turning Musk’s anti-hashtag stance into content gold. Here are some of the standout reactions:

• “Elon calls hashtags ugly while his entire platform is still trending # Section is the irony I needed today.”
• “RIP hashtags. You were ugly, but you were our ugliest.”
• “No hashtags? Cool. I guess we’ll all just scream into the void now.”

Some users even joked about Musk monetizing the hashtag:

“For just $8/month you can get #Verified hashtags!”

Others struck a more nostalgic tone, recalling the days when hashtags were an important tool for activism, events or just sharing a funny thought. Who could forget it? #ThrowbackThursday or #FollowFriday?

Why Musk’s comment matters

On the surface, Musk’s hashtag rant seems harmless (and perhaps a little hilarious), but it signals something bigger. The platform is evolving and Musk clearly wants to optimize X’s aesthetics and functionality.

Under his leadership, X has already seen changes like paid subscriptions, Twitter rebranding, and algorithm optimizations. This latest comment is another clue Musk has big ideas for the way people use X in the future.

But are hashtags really dead?

Here’s the thing: Hashtags may look ugly to Elon Musk, but they still serve a purpose for many users. Activists, creatives and businesses rely on it to amplify their messages and reach new audiences.

For now, hashtags are still alive. It remains to be seen whether Musk will make them obsolete down the road, but if history tells us anything, users will find a way to adapt. And let’s be honest: no one is going to give up #MondayMotivation anytime soon.

To hashtag or not to hashtag?

So should you stop using hashtags on X? Honestly, it’s up to you. Musk may think they’re ugly, but until X officially abandons them, hashtags will continue to serve their purpose. Whether you’re on the #KeepTheHashtags team or ready to move on, one thing is clear: Elon Musk knows how to get people talking.

What do you think? Are hashtags a thing of the past or do they still have a place in your posts? In any case, you may want to keep your next hashtag minimal –Just in case Musk is watching.

Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a keen eye for industry trends and a flair for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, television and celebrity culture.

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