A Viral Story
In 2023, a video went viral on the internet. It showed an elderly man with a long, white beard being helped by two others. 1 The caption claimed that this man was 188 years old and had just been rescued from a cave. 1 People were amazed and shocked. Could someone really live that long?
The Truth
While the video was real, the claim that the man was 188 years old was not. It was a hoax, meaning it was a false story that was spread on purpose. The man in the video is actually a Hindu saint named Siyaram Baba. He is believed to be around 110 years old, which is still impressive, but not as extraordinary as the original claim.
How Did the Hoax Start?
The hoax started when someone shared the video online and added the false claim about the man’s age. The video quickly spread on social media, and people believed it without question. It’s a reminder that not everything you see online is true.
Why Is It Important to Fact-Check?
- Misinformation: Hoaxes can spread misinformation, which can lead to confusion and even harm.
- Trust: When people believe false information, it can damage their trust in news sources and other people.
- Critical thinking: Fact-checking helps us develop critical thinking skills, which are important for making informed decisions.
How Can You Fact-Check?
- Check the source: Where did you see the information? Is it from a reliable source?
- Look for other sources: Are there other news outlets reporting the same thing?
- Use fact-checking websites: There are many websites that help people fact-check information.
Learning from the Hoax
The 188-year-old man hoax is a good reminder of the importance of fact-checking. It’s easy to get caught up in a viral story, but it’s always important to be critical and question the information you see online. By learning to fact-check, we can help prevent the spread of misinformation and make the internet a safer place.