Elmo accidentally triggered an online existential crisis this week.
On Monday, Elmo asked an innocent question on X: “Elmo is just checking! How is everybody doing?”
As it turns out, we’re not so well! Within 24 hours, the tweet had gained 137 million views and nearly 50,000 responses, including ones from celebrities like T-Pain and Rainn Wilson, letting Elmo know that our collective mental health is struggling.
I'm just looking for somebody to talk to and show me some love if you know what I mean https://t.co/J4ffrIwjEM
— T-Pain (@TPAIN) January 29, 2024
I’m kind of a crossroads and frankly could use a little support.
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) January 31, 2024
totally fine pic.twitter.com/2nSP8OvjmT
— Domino's Pizza UK (@Dominos_UK) January 30, 2024
The world is burning around us, Elmo. pic.twitter.com/c3swrzHWYY
— Steven (@StevenMcinerney) January 29, 2024
Imma keep it a buck Elmo I’m not feeling very cash money
— Scott ⛓🔜 MCChicago (@DeadbeatScott) January 30, 2024
do u want my real answer elmo
— SOUR PATCH KIDS (@SourPatchKids) January 29, 2024
Of course, Elmo probably should have known his question would open up a sad can of worms. Studies show that 1 in 4 American adults struggle with mental illness, and that number jumps to 42% when looking at Gen Z, who are the most chronically online generation.
However, Elmo was determined to lift up everyone’s spirits with some much-needed love and empathy. He even got some help from fellow Sesame Street member Oscar the Grouch to talk about “#EmotionalWellBeing,” which is how you know things are rough out there.
I’m not great at listening to others share their big feelings, but my worm Slimey is. You should talk with him if you ever need to chat. 🐛💚 #EmotionalWellBeing https://t.co/YOy0qLvi1v
— Oscar the Grouch (@OscarTheGrouch) January 30, 2024
