New York Botanical Garden Forced to Shut Down Comment Sections
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has taken the drastic step of disabling comment sections on multiple social media posts featuring their assistant curator, Chris Elliott. This action was prompted by an overwhelming influx of what users have described as 'thirsty' comments, which shifted focus away from horticultural content to personal remarks about Elliott.
Social Media Frenzy Over Horticulturist
Chris Elliott, an associate curator and horticulturist at the prestigious gardens, has recently become an unexpected online sensation. Posts featuring Elliott have garnered thousands of likes, with one recent video shared on the NYBG's official accounts on Friday accumulating nearly 4,000 likes on Instagram in just four days and over 18,000 views on TikTok. Another video from March, where Elliott discussed snowdrops, received almost 7,000 likes.
However, eagle-eyed social media users quickly noticed that the NYBG had disabled comments on every post Elliott appeared in. One user shared screenshots of the now-deleted comments, revealing that they found 'hundreds' of 'thirsty' remarks in each video. 'Mostly polite, but some not, and NONE about actual flowers he was talking about,' the user added, expressing support for the garden's decision to close comments to keep Elliott safe online.
Examples of the Online Reaction
The comments ranged from humorous to overly personal, with one remark stating, 'There is no way that man is single.' Others included playful lines like, 'Pretty men with pretty flowers, as the lord intended,' and 'Babe, YOU’RE one of my favorite orchids.' Some fans even sought out Elliott's personal TikTok account to engage with him directly in the comments.
Despite the flood of 'thirsty' comments, many users praised Elliott's expertise and the educational value of his content. For instance, a video about witch hazel generated significant traction, with viewers asking questions about the plant and sharing that they purchased some because of his recommendations. Comments such as 'I learned something new today. Thank you,' and 'I so appreciate your content,' highlighted the positive impact of his horticultural knowledge.
Balancing Engagement and Safety
The NYBG's decision to close comment sections underscores the challenges institutions face in managing online interactions. While social media can be a powerful tool for education and engagement, it also risks devolving into inappropriate behavior. By disabling comments, the garden aims to protect its staff and maintain a professional environment focused on botanical education.
This incident has sparked broader conversations about online conduct and the responsibilities of organizations in safeguarding their employees. As social media continues to evolve, balancing public interaction with personal boundaries remains a critical issue for many entities.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the NYBG for further comment on this matter, but no official statement has been released at this time.
