Authors: Hritika Chauhan
Abstract: The rise of hashtag based protests marks a significant shift in the ways individuals and communities mobilize around social and political causes. Originating with simple user generated tags on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, hashtag movements have evolved into powerful mechanisms for rapid information diffusion, awareness raising, and collective action. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hashtag protests in generating real world impact, examining how digital engagement translates into offline outcomes across diverse contexts. Employing a comparative case study approach, the research analyzes multiple high profile hashtag campaigns selected for their scope, visibility, and documented follow through to identify common drivers of success and barriers to sustained change. Data sources include aggregated engagement metrics, traditional media coverage, and policy statements issued in the wake of campaigns. Key findings reveal that movements with clear framing, strong network ties, and strategic offline partnerships are more likely to achieve tangible results, such as legislative attention or organizational reforms. Conversely, campaigns that rely solely on rapid virality often experience fleeting visibility without lasting effects. These insights underscore the dual role of social media as both an accelerator of public discourse and a potential echo chamber. The study’s conclusions offer guidance for activists seeking to design resilient digital strategies and for policymakers aiming to foster constructive engagement in the evolving networked public sphere
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