THE HASHTAG AS A CHANNEL OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION: A STUDY OF THE #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS HASHTAG

Abstract

This conceptual paper x-rayed the changing nature of international communication, from the traditional concept of restrictive diplomatic interactions between nations to the concept of liberalized online public sphere, occasioned by social media use of hash tags as auxiliary channels of international communication. The paper reviewed the use of hash tags in various instances for Internet activism, and zeroed in on the #BringBackOurGirls hash tag. The strengths and weaknesses of the hash tag as an instrument of international mobilization were examined. It was posited that as the #BringBackOurGirls hash tag campaign aptly demonstrated, hash tags have become formidable instruments for international public mobilization. Online activities were found to form a synergy with offline activities in efforts at global public mobilization. The paper suggested that other uses of hash tags at the international level should be studied