The Mandela Effect, a psychological phenomenon where a large group of people remember something one way only for it to be proven as false, has intrigued many since its inception. Named after the erroneous collective memory of Nelson Mandela’s death in prison during the 1980s, despite his passing in 2013, the phenomenon has sparked countless debates and discussions. Now, a TikTok user, ‘thethoughtpolice,’ claims to have found tangible proof of the Mandela Effect in an old Verizon Palm phone, suggesting that it may offer a window into alternate realities.
@thethoughtpolice Replying to @shodan128 throwback #paralleldimension fun fact, the first edition #monopoly he isn’t there at all. #spooky ♬ apocalypse – creepy slowed audios
In a series of captivating TikTok videos, the user reveals startling discrepancies between what the phone’s camera displays and actual reality. One clip, for example, features ‘Rich Uncle Pennybags’ from the Monopoly board game. Through the phone’s viewfinder, Pennybags is depicted with a monocle, an often-cited Mandela Effect. However, when the camera moves away, the actual box clearly shows Pennybags without any eyewear.
Adding to the intrigue, another video touches on the hotly debated ‘Berenstain Bears’ memory. While some firmly believe the childhood books were spelled “Berenstein,” not “Berenstain,” this mysterious phone appears to meld both versions of reality together. Popular Mandela Effects, such as the curious case of Curious George’s tail—or lack thereof—also become focal points in the TikToker’s series. The user even emphasizes the clip’s authenticity by waving his hand in the frame, signaling that it is not a pre-recorded visual trick.
Breakfast cereals aren’t spared either; Captain Crunch is also thrown into this fascinating window into alternate realities. Unsurprisingly, the series of videos has garnered a significant following, with users eagerly requesting visual “proof” of various Mandela Effects. However, the overarching question remains: Is this merely skillful manipulation of technology and video editing, or could this TikToker be onto something genuinely groundbreaking? Do alternate realities exist, affirming the Mandela Effect? Only time, and perhaps more tangible evidence, will tell.
