A State of Text-ception: NYC's Emergency Texting Systems in a Prolonged Emergency

12:45
Wednesday, January 1
MESSAGES now
692-692
Notify NYC: Welcome to COVID Info at nyc.gov/692692 Reply HELP for help Reply STOP to cancel. Msg&Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies.
692-692
COVID
COVID: You are now enrolled in Notify NYC. This system will provide you with important updates about coronavirus in NYC.
Notify NYC: The City will provide relief for small businesses that are making less because of COVID-19. Find out more: https://on.nyc.gov/3aTuIUu
Notify NYC: The City will provide relief for small businesses that are making less because of COVID-19. Find out more: https://on.nyc.gov/3aTuIUu
Notify NYC: NYC will also continue to provide a range of resources and services that help New Yorkers make ends meet every day: on.nyc.gov/38O3kG3
Notify NYC: To receive future COVID-19 information in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692. nixle.us/BPC2L
Notify NYC: Here are the details on the new rules for large gatherings & NYC's State of Emergency: https://bit.ly/2QtS2Av. nixle.us/BPCPA
Notify NYC: Mayor Bill de Blasio updates New Yorkers on the latest developments regarding COVID-19: https://on.nyc.gov/3cYMXK4. nixle.us/BPDQS
Notify NYC: If you see price increases for items in short supply due to COVID-19, report it by calling 311 or visiting NYC.gov/dcwp. nixle.us/BPEE8

On March 13, 2020, I subscribed to New York City's automated text system, Notify NYC, by sending a text to 692-692 with the word "COVID." Since that date, I have received 142 texts from the City about things ranging from new policies, tips for connecting with family, and information about service closures.

After receiving the first text message, I've been wondering who is behind these text messages and the longer-term strategy for the future. COVID-19, after all, isn't the a point-in-time emergency, like perhaps a wildfire or a hurricane. As many have noted, we may be in a "state of exception," 1 but that begs the question: How long with these texts last? Are these texts a new normal? Do they represent a way of thinking about municipal communication with citizens that might stick around? And more importantly, what do the texts tell us about the City that sends them?

I have started collecting the text messages into a spreadsheet to use as part of a larger archival project, which will continue into Summer 2020.