What's with all the freaking #hashtags?

[MaxTill]

Why do hashtags even have to exist? They are a brilliant idea, but then #fox started using them on their shows like #nfl #thebigbangtherory and stuff? Why do hashtags pollute this world?

[A]

fuckyou

[Nicole]

theywantmoreattention #itssostupid #theywantmoretrends

[PrestoMagic91]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57dzaMaouXA

[Lottie]

Well it sort of depends where they're used. If they're used on Facebook, then you are completely right. They are used for the sole purpose of seeming 'cool' but in actuality they don't really do anything at all. On Tumblr, it is a good way to get your posts noticed. For example, if you take a really good photo of the Seattle Needle (I don't even live in America so Kudos to me for knowing that), I'd tag it with #Seattle needle. This would allow more people to see my things, and consequently like them. It's similar on Instagram, however this is used primarily to get likes. It isn't so much a case of 'oh, they have hash-tags, they must be really cool! I'm going to like this cool person's photo!' and more a case of when people like to search their interests in the tags, looking for photos that might interest them. Now if I may be honest with you on this one, I really don't know what hash-tagging on Twitter does. I know that you can go into the 'discover' part of Twitter, but I have no idea what it does or how to use it.
So, in conclusion, I agree with you somewhat. When people just tag stupid thing like "#what #does #the #fox #say" that is extremely useless and annoying, however if someone is using them sincerely, they are quite useful.
Hope I helped