2018: Hashtags that went viral

Being an important source of entertainment and information – social media has become an inseparable part of not only millennials' but everyone's life.

Starting with simple user interface websites like Gmail and Orkut, the power of internet has reached all new heights in quite a little time. Be it the use of Facebook – for connecting with people, or Instagram for uploading pictures – the word 'social media' or 'digital media' is being used in every manner to entertain and spread information through our phones.

One such example of the remarkable use of the internet to spread information is through 'hashtags'. Widely used on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, a 'hashtag' is a symbol which allows the users to apply dynamic and user-generated tagging, with which the word spreads and people find such posts easily.

Let's go back in the time, and recall all those important topics and hashtags which went viral and broke the internet in the year 2018.

MeToo: After the tremendous courage shown by famous personalities in Hollywood, #MeToo became one of the most trending hashtags of the year in India. It started with Hindi film actor Tanushree Dutta – who came forward to discuss her harassment story. and gained momentum within no time. Inspired by her, the country witnessed many other women coming in the forefront accusing directors, producers and other renowned faces.

Kiki Challenge: With Drake's 2018's groovy number 'In My Feelings' – the internet went mad beginning with Instagram star Shiggy dancing to its beat on the street. Thereafter, millions around the world including celebrities, came up with their own versions of the song. This challenge was highly discouraged as people around the world got out of moving cars, just to take the challenge – which also invited fatal incidents causing severe injuries and deaths.

Deepika Ranveer wedding: After #Viruksha, the much loved couple of Bollywood – Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh – were given a name 'DeepVeer' which was used widely during their wedding. From the invitation card being shared by the couple to the cutest wedding pictures circulated all around, or the series of receptions they had – the wedding saga of DeepVeer was the most enjoyed occasion on internet in India.

Priyanka-Nick wedding: Following Deepika and Ranveer, Priyanka Chopra also tied knot in a private affair at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur. Popularly known as #Nickyanka – the couple got married in two different ceremonies and later shared some beautiful pictures too.

Justice for Asifa: The country was shaken by the news of 'Damini rape case' back in 2012. People got aware, they started reporting more cases and with all the campaigns across the country, the judiciary was also forced to take decisions quickly. But, nothing appeared to change when six years later history repeated itself. 'Justice for Asifa' proved to be another movement demanding change in the judicial system after an eight-year-old Asifa Bano was raped and murdered in the valleys of Kasmir.

Kerala Floods: The city which is famous for its 'backwaters', was destroyed in floods this year. Out of 50, 35 dams were opened and the tragedy affected many lives of the state – ruining the livelihood, tourism, and everything else. Like many other issues, this one went viral on the internet – which in turn generated massive help for the flood victims.

Aadhar: Among the major decisions by Supreme court, Aadhar remained the most popular. As the apex court made it compulsory to link bank accounts, phone numbers and all personal details with the central system operated by Unique Identification Authority of India – the opposition and common people resisted the decision firmly. After all the debates and discussions, the court revised the decision.

Triple Talaaq: The long discussed issue of Triple Talaaq got a conclusion this year. Finally, the triple talaaq or oral talaaq used by Muslim community to file divorce was abolished by the Supreme court of India. Under this issue, several tags went viral on social media platforms like Twitter. Some of the tags included #endtripletalaaq, #bantripletalaaqnow, #tripletalaaqbill, #tripletalaaqover, to name a few.

Apart from all the famous Twitter and Instagram tags, popularly used throughout the year, there were many more things which were celebrated on social media by the country. There were different challenges, sports moments, new laws, to name a few.

Hum fit to India Fit challenge: It was when Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Sports Minister of India launched a fitness challenge to 'make India fitter and better' – many people including PM Modi and a few celebrities took the challenge. As a part of the challenge, the people who accepted the challenge – used hashtag #HumFitTohIndiaFit and posted their workout videos of on social media sites like Twitter and Instagram.

Sunil Chhetri: "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering – thank you," captioned the captain of the Indian football team on his Twitter video. The video went viral on the internet and everyone started talking about the sport.

LGBTQ: Spreading the happiness of rainbow colours, Supreme court, this year passed a law banning the discrimination of sex and thereby, accepting homosexuality in the country. This led to several pages on social media, dating apps for gays and trans-genders, and a space for them on the internet with #pride.

The craze for hashtags and use of social media for entertainment and information is not dying any sooner. Just like 2018, the following year awaits new trends and challenges. Welcome the new year and see what all Bollywood, Hollywood, Sports, Politics and other spheres have for you in terms of social media. Keep clicking and posting your pictures with '#2019hasbegun'.