Elmo's wellness check turned into a mass online trauma dump

Big Bird returned to his normal self after a challenging week that led to an online frenzy over the beloved yellow bird’s existential crisis. Amidst this turmoil, Elmo decided to check in on the social media platform X for everyone’s well-being.

Tweet may have been deleted

“Elmo wanted to see how everybody is holding up,” Elmo asked online.

The response was immense, with users sharing their struggles collectively.

By the start of 2024, Elmo unwittingly became a sounding board for the internet’s shared traumas. A simple check-in turned into an impromptu therapy session, as X users poured out their hardships to the beloved three-year-old character from Sesame Street. Users spoke of their challenges, longing for simpler times.

People shared their struggles with finances, relationships, the upcoming presidential election, and more. Here are some posts reflecting the tough times that Elmo inadvertently stumbled upon:

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Celebrities and even the President of the United States joined the widespread conversation on mental health.

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Did Elmo expect to receive 50,000 tweets unloading traumas on an ordinary Monday? No. Was the check-in necessary? Definitely. Elmo, to his credit, seemed unaffected by the emotional overflow.

Tweet may have been deleted

“Wow! Elmo is grateful for reaching out! Elmo realizes the importance of checking in on friends. Elmo promises to check in again soon, friends! Elmo cares for you,” Elmo reassured on X.

However, the crucial question remains: Has anyone checked on Elmo’s well-being? We’ll have to wait and see if the internet does.

Chance Townsend

Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Currently based in Austin, Texas, Chance Townsend serves as an Assistant Editor at Mashable. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas, with his research primarily focusing on online communities, dating apps, and professional wrestling.

In his leisure time, he enjoys cooking, sleeping, and enduring the disappointment of the Lions and Pistons consistently. If you have any stories or recipes worth sharing, you can contact him via email at [email protected].