Some Thoughts on the Great GChat Brown-Out of 2014

Image: Shuterstock.

You’ve probably heard: Google Hangouts, more commonly known as GChat, is experiencing “service disruption”. 

Don’t panic. I put out a simple query—”GChat is down; your thoughts?”—to the brainaics on the Motherboard listserv, and decided to compile this highly thorough cross-section of reactions from people who work for the Internet all day.

How do I send this earthquake reaction video to my friends? – Jason Koebler

[screaming noises] – Derek Mead

“I was actually less productive today than usual. When gchat is up and I get to look at everyone’s “Busy” red dots, I get busy too.” – Fruzsina Eordogh

“I sort of rely on social media to be a virtual office to keep me on task… Nothing messes with people [more] than when Twitter goes down. There’s way more rage when Twitter’s offline.” – Amy Shira Teitel

“I just thought everyone hated me.” – Chris O’Coin

“GChat is down?”– Dan Meyer, VICE equipment manager

As I’m writing this, GChat is holding pretty strong. But I’ll be sure to update this post as more responses roll in. Now back to work!