The recent earthquake that shook New York City and beyond on Friday morning not only caused physical tremors but also sent social media platforms, particularly Twitter, abuzz with activity. In the old days, Twitter was the go-to platform for collective experiences, and it seems that in times of uncertainty and curiosity, users still flock to it for information and discussion.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, had its epicenter northeast of Lebanon, N.J., and its tremors were felt in cities from Philadelphia to Boston. As the ground shook, social media users took to Twitter, with some seeking affirmation that what they felt was indeed an earthquake. Even celebrities like Jessica Chastain joined the conversation, asking, “Did we just have an earthquake?! NYC.”
Official updates from Governor Kathy Hochul of New York provided details about the quake’s size and scope, reassuring the public that assessments were being made. Meanwhile, humor also found its way into the conversation, with jokes about New Jersey being referred to as “west of Manhattan” and even the Empire State Building’s official account reassuring its followers that it was “FINE.”
Amidst the jokes and updates, well wishes were also shared, with Jessica Chastain expressing hope that everyone was okay and that buildings were not damaged. The New York Police Department reported no immediate damage from the earthquake.
In a moment of collective curiosity and concern, Twitter once again proved to be a hub for information and discussion, showing that in times of uncertainty, old habits die hard.
