As defined by Twitter, the # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It helps categorize topics and create an interactive conversation about that topic among all Twitter users.

A post by Gilad Lotan on Social Flow provides great insight into what characteristics the “Twitterverse” associates with the GOP presidential candidates.

Hashtags like #GOP and #teaparty are used roughly equally when talking about all GOP candidates, but hashtags such as #gayrights, #flipflop, and #jobs are associated more with Mitt Romney, while #palestine, #immigration, and #abortion are better associated with Newt Gingrich.

Even though less than 10% of the nation is active on Twitter, these associations offer much insight into the public perception of events and the GOP candidates.