Elmo breaks the internet again. This time, it's not a contentious feud with Joe's pet dog Rocco. No, the “Sesame Street” Muppet struck a nerve with a simple psychic question. “Elmo is just checking in! How is everyone?”
Many saw it as a loaded question. “How are you?” 2024 has a certain weight.
Within 48 hours, more than 45,000 social media users had quote-tweeted the red monster with their most intimate truths.
“We were better, Elmo,” the Detroit Free Press said following the Detroit Lions' loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Some wrote that Elmo's Room should be read. Others noted that Elmo was technically a 3-year-old Muppet and not qualified to handle a collective trauma dump.
Angie Thomas, author of “The Hate U Give.” Tweeted, “would have shocked Elmo. “That child is 3 years old. He doesn't need to know all this.”
Following the overwhelming response, Elmo shared a message about #EmotionalWellBeing and the importance of checking in with loved ones.
Of course, the internet had an answer for that too.
Sounds silly, but we were all blown away by Elmo yesterday, and we all cried when Steve from Blues Clues told us he was proud of us during Bondy, proving that kids' entertainment is more than “entertainment.” Has a lasting effect on empathy.
— 🎃☠️ Whitney Van Lanningham🦇🕸 (@WhitneyBubby) January 31, 2024
President Biden thanked Elmo for opening the speech.
I know how difficult it is to clear the clouds and reach sunny days.
Our friend Elmo is right: we need to be there for each other, offer our help to our neighbors in need, and above all, ask for help when we need it.
As hard as it may be, you are not alone. https://t.co/ffMJekbowo
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 31, 2024
CDC thanked Elmo for testing and sharing mental health resources.
NASA has responded by reminding us that we are all twinkling stars.
To melt hearts even more, one user pointed out that Elmo is holding his toy “Baby David.” His own wiki If you want to fall deeper down the rabbit hole of Elmo lore.
Can't remember what Elmo's little plushie's name is so I googled it and his name is “Baby David” 😭 I'm about to cry https://t.co/wPcLVO7lJh
— Prozac & Cody (@kakicp) January 30, 2024
Elmo, eternally 3 years old, Birthday on Saturday. He will definitely check his messages.
Maddie Mortell can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @maddiemortell.
