Love them or hate them, hashtags have been a staple of social media since forever (well, at least since 2007). But now, Elon Musk, the man behind X (formerly Twitter), has declared war on hashtags.
Yep, you heard that right—he thinks they’re ugly, pointless, and we all need to stop using them.
What Did Musk Actually Say?
On Tuesday, Musk took to his own platform to share a simple yet bold message:
@elonmusk: “Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly.”
And just like that, the internet did what it always does—erupted into chaos. Some users applauded Musk’s comment, agreeing that hashtags are basically relics of the past. Others? Well, 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 view, they’re visually unappealing and clutter up posts.
It’s worth noting that there’s no official policy change here—hashtags still work, and no one’s stopping you from slapping #JustSaying onto your next post. But Musk’s comment definitely raises a question: Are hashtags still relevant in 2024?
For many users, hashtags have been a way to make content discoverable, join trending conversations, or just add a little humor to a post. But others argue they’ve outlived their purpose, especially when platforms like X have tools like search algorithms and trending topics to highlight content without needing those little # symbols.
The Internet Reacts: “Ugly? But I Love Ugly!”
X users wasted no time turning Musk’s anti-hashtag stance into content gold. Here are some of the standout reactions:
- “Elon calling hashtags ugly while his entire platform still has a trending # section is the irony I needed today.”
- “RIP hashtags. You were ugly, but you were our ugly.”
- “No hashtags? Cool. Guess we’ll all just shout into the void now.”
Some users even joked about Musk monetizing the hashtag:
“For just $8/month, you can get #Verified hashtags!”
Others took a more nostalgic tone, reminiscing about the days when hashtags were a vital tool for activism, events, or even just sharing a funny thought. After all, who could forget #ThrowbackThursday or #FollowFriday?
Why Musk’s Comment Matters
On the surface, Musk’s hashtag rant seems harmless (and maybe a little hilarious), but it does signal something bigger. The platform is evolving, and Musk clearly wants to streamline X’s aesthetic and functionality.
Under his leadership, X has already seen changes like paid subscriptions, the rebranding of Twitter, and algorithm tweaks. This latest comment is yet another hint that Musk has big ideas for how people use X moving forward.
But Are Hashtags Really Dead?
Here’s the thing—hashtags may look ugly to Elon Musk, but they still serve a purpose for a lot of users. Activists, creators, and businesses rely on them to amplify their messages and connect with new audiences.
For now, hashtags are still alive and well. Whether Musk makes them obsolete down the road remains to be seen, but if history tells us anything, users will find a way to adapt. And let’s be honest—no one’s going to give up #MondayMotivation that easily.
To Hashtag or Not to Hashtag?
So, should you stop using hashtags on X? Honestly, it’s up to you. Musk might think they’re ugly, but until X officially ditches them, hashtags will keep doing their thing. Whether you’re team #KeepTheHashtags or ready to move on, one thing’s 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? Either way, you might 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 sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
