Do hashtags promote conformity?

Hashtags have their uses, but some are just nuts. For example, I can understand using a hashtag after a natural disaster so that you can keep a relevant comment connected to the disaster. Some of the gimmicky hashtags don't really help keep a conversation together. Some are just awful. Who can forget the #BoycottGeogia fiasco?

Here's the big problem with hashtags. They are dependent on everyone using the same text to discuss a topic. If you want to use your own words, you are effectively outside of the discussion. If you want a voice, you are expected to maintain a common dialog.

Again, I am fine with these in some cases. If you are legitimately trying to contribute to a topic, I don't mind finding a way to properly identify the topic. When you're dependent on others to dictate your own wording in a more general sense, I'm not at all impressed.

If your words are coming from someone else, you're not really thinking for yourself. Overuse of hashtags tends to push people to all think alike. This can promote overconformity. We should all be willing to risk not being seen. We should all be willing to risk having our own thoughts. Hashtag overuse is not for independent thinkers.