On Jan. 29, Elmo asked a seemingly innocent question on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?”
The response was overwhelming. Elmo’s question now has over 213 million views, with over 20,000 replies and 61,000 reposts ranging from “I’m at my lowest. Thanks for asking” to “Elmo, I’m depressed and broke.”
The Chipotle X/Twitter account responded; so did Sour Patch Kids.
President Biden even reposted one of Elmo’s later Tweets, remarking how hard it might be to sweep the clouds away in today’s world — a play on the Sesame Street theme song — and encouraging everyone to stand by their loved ones and ask for help when needed.
Not all responses were negative; Chance the Rapper responded to Elmo, saying, “Honestly, I’m in a really good place rn [right now].”
This trend was also seen at Uni, where on Feb. 1st, students were asked the same question on the Gargoyle Instagram account — with the responses displaying the same wit and frankness as the replies to Elmo’s Tweet.
“Elmo, I’m losing it.”
“Elmo, I’m dropping out.”
“Elmo, please cancel my tests next week.”
“Tired :(.”
However, similarly, not all responses were completely negative. Some simply responded, “Good.”
Elmo appeared on CNN with Jake Tapper following the Tweet.
He said this Tweet taught him the importance of checking in with others.
“Elmo didn’t realize when you ask someone how they’re doing, you have to be ready because maybe someone’s not doing well, or maybe somebody is. But that’s an important question to ask,” Elmo said.
Perhaps Elmo’s Tweet came with a surge of nostalgia. Christine Vittas, Elmo’s social media manager, spoke to Today.com about the Tweet’s success among audiences.
She supposed Elmo’s status as a beloved TV show character had to do with it.
“When someone kind like Elmo asks you how you’re doing … ‘You’re going to be a little more honest because you know a caring friend is listening and genuinely wants to know. The foundation of friendship Elmo has with the world really resonated.’”
Many of the responses to Elmo’s Tweet came from people who most probably grew up watching Sesame Street or are currently watching it with their children, noted Jake Tapper in his Elmo feature.
Within the floods of X/Twitter users both lamenting and sharing their joy with Elmo, some were asking the Muppet how he was doing.
“Dear Elmo, it was kind of you to check in on all your friends this week,” read a response from Paddington to Elmo’s question. “How are you doing?”
Uni students might face some stress as third quarter comes to an end and Spring Break fast approaches.
While wrapping up final projects and doing work for classes, don’t forget to check in with your friends and classmates every once in a while, just like Elmo.
