We all wish we could escape from reality once in awhile, but what if we have? The idea of an alternate universe, or reality, is known as the Mandela Effect. Named after the South African president Nelson Mandela, the phenomenon started when many people claimed that Mandela died in prison in the the early 1980’s, when in reality his death was announced in 2013.

 False memories, as characterized by the Mandela Effect, are a glimpse into parallel worlds that have different timelines. Most of these memories are very small changes from the reality we live in, which is why most of us do not notice that we have falsely remembered something. The Mandela Effect happens when somebody has a clear vision or memory of something occurring that never really happened. Despite what some people say, those who are positive that something is true will not listen to others. Sophomore Casey Weidner has her own opinion on the effect: “I didn’t know much about it until recently, but I believe it 100 percent. Some ideas are so crazy it blows my mind.”

 The Mandela Effect is most commonly seen in brand names, titles, and fictional characters.  A very popular false memory is that the Monopoly man, Rich Uncle Pennybags, has a monocle (a single eyeglass), when he actually does not. It is often hard to remember such tiny details like a monocle, which explains why people have a hard time defending their claim. The beloved fictional character, Curious George, is also guilty for being a false memory. There is a debate about whether this troublesome monkey has a tail or not. Even though he is a monkey, if you watch any episodes of this cartoon, you will see he does not. However, this does no, stop people from not just believing, but knowing, he has a tail. Other examples of this peculiar idea are Gif and Jif peanut butter, white-out and wite-out, and Oscar Mayer and Meyer. Most commonly there are just simple changes, such as a letter change or removal.

 The Mandela Effect can also be explained in more reasonable, scientific terms. Psychologists actually have multiple diagnoses for those who have false memories. Confabulation is the production of fabricated, misinterpreted memories about oneself or the world without the conscious centive to deceive. Other diagnoses include cryptomnesia, which occurs when a forgotten memory returns without it being recognized by the subject.

 The mind is a very foreign and mysterious place to wonder. The truth about whether there truly is an alternate universe will most likely never be uncovered. Until then, all different kinds of people will come up with theories and ideas to explain the strange happenings of the brain. Even though some people find it hard to wrap their head around such a strange occurrence such as the Mandela Effect, it gives others a sense of security. Whether you believe it or not, there is always no harm in being curious.