“Stop Using Hashtags”: Elon Musk Calls for the End of the 'Ugly' Feature on X

Elon Musk urges X users to stop using hashtags, calling them "ugly" and unnecessary. A screenshot of X's AI, Grok, answering a query on hashtags adds intrigue to the ongoing platform evolution debate.

“Stop Using Hashtags”: Elon Musk Calls for the End of the 'Ugly' Feature on X

Source : X/ElonMusk

In a move that has sparked widespread conversation among social media users, Elon Musk, owner and CEO of X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed his stance against the use of hashtags. On his platform, Musk posted, “Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly.”

This statement has generated mixed reactions across the platform, with some users appreciating the straightforward approach, while others questioned the implications for content discoverability.

Elon Musk’s Post on X

The whole thing started when a user shared a screenshot in which they posted a screenshot of a question asked to Grok, X’s AI-powered assistant. The query read: “Should I Use Hashtags or not on X?” This interaction underlined the uncertainty among users regarding the platform's evolving best practices.

Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly. https://t.co/GKEp1v1wiB

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2024

Musk’s push against hashtags marks another significant shift in how X operates compared to its earlier days when hashtags were an essential part of the platform’s culture and search functionality. 

How X Reacted to Musk’s Post

One of the user's said, "interesting. I have been complaining often that despite being premium hardly any of my own followers see my content. I thought it was because I wasn't using hashtags enough. That is one explanation off the table. What am I paying for again?"

Another one reacted and wrote, "The great thing about hashtags is that you can simply click on them and see posts with the same hashtag. In this respect, I don’t see any alternative for certain topics and areas of application."

"Well Elon it’s great to hear that hashtags are not required anymore. However Groks message is a bit condescending to new and experienced users. A person may cringe trying to remember when the last time they used a hashtag and with what post," said a third one. 

A fourth user said, "My job is social media management- one of the first things I explain to brands is that I don’t use hashtags because they’re ugly and just make their account look spammy. 

I also recommend to not use gifs, and try to stay away from links."