The Top 5 Hashtags That Shaped 2015

As we’re in the final throws of 2015, what better way to celebrate the year that was than with hashtags.

It wasn’t all about being #blessed and living that #yolo life this year, social media became a platform for change and pop culture hilarity. From the blue and black (or white and gold) dress to the Paris attacks and same-sex marriage, Twitter, Instagram, and even Facebook shared in the power of the hashtag.

Here’s what 2015 looked like in hashtags.

#PrayForParis

Following the deadly terrorist attacks on Paris in November, the world united with the hashtags #ParisAttacks and #PrayForParis. The hashtags brought users together to fight terrorism, show support for the victims and help those affected to safety.

#IStandWithAhmed

The boy with the clock, 14-year-old Ahmed Mohammed was handcuffed at school and detained for bringing in a homemade clock that his teacher thought was a bomb. The photo of Ahmed handcuffed went viral on Twitter and garnered around 370,000 tweets with the hashtag #IStandWithAhmed to show support and say no to Islamophobia.

#LoveWins

This year the U.S. Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal across all 50 states and social media erupted with the hashtag #LoveWins in support of the decision. Even President Obama joined in on Twitter.

#TheDress

The debate to end all debates was #TheDress. Is it #BlueandBlack or #WhiteandGold? Social media went crazy this year when a photo emerged of a dress that proved to be a mind-boggling optical illusion.

#BlackLivesMatter

Nearly nine months after the death in custody of 25-year-old Baltimore man Freddie Gray, #BlackLivesMatter has made the leap from hashtag to mass political movement.

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