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Origin of Everything: Where Does the # Hashtag Symbol Come From?

7 minutes, 13 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (Change)

The video "Origin of Everything: Where Does the # Hashtag Symbol Come From?" from the "Origin of Everything" series explores the fascinating evolution and significance of the hashtag symbol. This educational journey begins in ancient Rome with the 'lb' abbreviation for 'Libra' and follows its transformation over centuries into the modern hashtag. Viewers learn about its pivotal role in communication, from Isaac Newton's influence during the early printing press era to its key placement on 20th-century telephone keypads by Bell Labs. The video delves into the hashtag's rise in digital culture, sparked by Chris Messina's innovative proposal in 2007 for organizing Twitter groups. The discussion extends to semiotics, using the hashtag's adaptability as a case study in how symbols generate meaning. This video is a valuable resource for anyone interested in language evolution, semiotics, and digital technology history.