"Do I NEED to use hashtags here?"
Short version: No.
Long version: CounterSocial does not have any algorithms to direct people towards the content they like or spare them from the content they don't. This means that hashtags are a considerate way to help other people to curate their own experience.
Columns can be configured to show or omit chosen hashtags, which makes hashtags important, but not required. #CoSoTips
CounterSocial is the first Social Network Platform to take a zero-tolerance stance to hostile nations, bot accounts and trolls who are weaponizing OUR social media platforms and freedoms to engage in influence operations against us. And we're here to counter it.