Mentions

Mentions are names or usernames prefixed by @. Mentions trigger notifications for whomever is mentioned. We recommend that Community Members use mentions to continue conversations, acknowledge peers' ideas, solicit others' expertise, and encourage other Community Members to contribute.

To mention a Community Member, begin by typing @ in the Post or Comment editor. A list of Members will appear in a pop-up menu. Continue typing the full name or username of the Member you want to mention. When their name appears in the pop-up menu, select it. Alternatively, you can hit Enter after typing their name in full. Upon clicking the POST button, the mentioned Member will receive a notification.

For more on mentions, see the learner guide.

Hashtags

Hashtags are words prefixed by #. Hashtags thematically categorize Posts and Comments and enable hashtag-based filtering. Unlike Topics, hashtags can be created by any Community Member. We recommend that Community Members use hashtags to categorize content, organize contributions, facilitate filtering for themselves and their peers, align themselves with a position or movement, and join large conversations for which individual mentions are impractical.

To add a hashtag or use a preexisting hashtag, begin by typing # in the Post or Comment editor. If at least one hashtag already exists, a list of hashtags will appear in a pop-up menu. Continue typing the word you want to use as a hashtag. If the hashtag already exists, select it from the pop-up menu. If the hashtag doesn't already exist, simple hit space when you've finished typing your hashtag. Upon submitting your post, other users will be able to select your hashtag from the pop-up menu.

For more on hashtags, see the learner guide.

Reactions

Reactions are ways of liking, applauding, or otherwise acknowledging others' Posts and Comments. Depending on Community settings, those who earn Reactions receive a point boost. 

To react to a Post or Comment, hover over the Post or Comment you're reacting to and click the "smiley face" icon in the lower left-hand corner.