Nelson Mandela died in a South American prison during the 1980’s, right? At least many people remember it that way. However, Nelson Mandela didn’t die until 2013 at age 95, due to a respiratory infection. Many people have a vivid memory of seeing news of him dying in prison and hearing speeches about his death. This phenomenon created the Mandela Effect, a situation when a large group of people remember a specific event or idea that never happened. There are countless examples of this effect in pop culture and history. 

Rich Uncle Pennybags, otherwise known as the Monopoly Man, is a pretty famous character across the nation. He poses on all Monopoly boards and is always dressed for the occasion with his top hat and monocle. The monocle is really what brings his look all together, isn’t it? Well, Rich Uncle Pennybags isn’t and has never been drawn in with a monocle. However, when people think of him, they usually imagine him with a monocle. 

What’s better, crunchy or smooth peanut butter? Well, it doesn’t really matter as long as it’s Jiffy, the superior peanut butter brand compared to Skippy. Although, it is kind of hard to compare the two brands, especially because one doesn’t actually exist. The brand is Jif, not Jiffy, and there has never been a brand called Jiffy. 

“Luke, I am your father,” one of the most famous pop culture quotes from one of the most famous franchises.  This quote is so famous it’s even referenced in other movies and shows. How can a quote be so influential if it wasn’t actually ever said? Vader actually said, “No, I am your father.” 

Another famous pop culture quote, “Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The Evil Queen from Snow White is known for saying this, and it is another iconic movie moment. Although, mirror and magic must be interchangeable in our heads, because the real quote goes, “Magic mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?” 

These are just a few of the many examples scientists and society have observed. But, how exactly does this phenomenon occur? There are a few different theories on how this happens. False memories, confabulation, priming, fake reporting and some even believe that is even a result of parallel universes. Most of these theories start with people forgetting details about an event, and then filling it in with other information. Those added details could be completely false, or they could be pulled from what people believe to be the right memory. No matter what creates this effect, there is no doubt that there are definitely instances where it occurs.