What's the purpose of a hashtag?

[Fume]

I speak four languages, 3 computer languages (visual BASIC, C#, decent Java), have had a Myspace, Facebook, AND Twitter ever since Myspace was king (I actually called that FB was gonna take over and y'all bashed me haha), and I STILL don't get what a hashtag is. I tried wikipedia and remembered my reading glasses are somewhere in a Texas bayou so would someone please give me a explanation of hashtags. My main thing is Twitter if it's different in different places.

Much appreciated

[Cody]

A hashtag is a simple explanation for an action or emotion. Those hashtags are linked so that if someone else says the same thing, you can explore it. For example:

"Hot cocoa and a blanket #simplethings." That hashtag explains or describes what I like, or my emotion about my status. I find that to be a "simple thing in life"

Now anyone who also uses #simplethings after their status can be linked to my tweet. They can click on it and view my tweet, and see what I considered a "simple thing in life"

[Shawn Savoie]

its for finding post easier on social networks

[Mehmet]

help you reach many people who doesnt follow you and help you to check some issue you want look
for instagram tags you can use tagsforhearts.com