Guess Again: The Confusing Nature of the Mandela Effect

By Shreya Rohatgi

Puzzling millions for years long gone, the Mandela effect has become a household term to describe a very strange phenomenon. Essentially, the Mandela effect pertains to a commonly shared false memory, coined after many people believed Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid politician and president of South Africa, died while imprisoned in the 1980s. In reality, the activist lived for several more years until his passing in 2013. 

Besides the widespread belief of Mandela, the effect has baffled so many with logos and everyday objects. Now, quick— name a brand of peanut butter. While many will think of examples of Jif or Skippy, there will still be a handful that are almost positive Jiffy should be included as well. As it turns out, this is a prime example of how a combination of the first two brands can alter our memories, making us think that Jiffy exists as well. Below are a few examples of the Mandela effect that is sure to leave you questioning reality. 

Let’s start off easy… which image on the box of a cereal known for its toucan mascot is false?

It’s the one on the right! Maybe pay more attention next time you have Froot Loops for breakfast. Okay, now, for one that’s a little more difficult… What's the actual spelling of this shoe brand?

If you guessed the one on the right, you got it! There’s no “t” in Skechers, but there sure is one in trust, which is something I’ve lost since looking at this next logo…

As it turns out, there’s no cornucopia in the Fruit of the Loom logo! The challenge is amping up, but you got this! Bring your “A” game into this pop culture round. Which is the real C-3PO?

I’m convinced even the major Star Wars fans would get this wrong. C-3PO actually has a silver leg! Don’t worry, there’s still a couple left, like this Oreo specialty: 

Somehow, these cookies with an extra layer of cream filling are called Double Stuf… in what world! Okay, only Pikachu could make up for the deceit we’re all experiencing right now, but which one is the real version?

Will the real Pikachu please stand up? Well he did, and he doesn’t have black detailing on his tail! With one more example around the corner, hopefully that childhood experience can make up for this false one. 

As for this one, I still have a hard time believing it. All these years, these books have been The Berenstain Bears! These books were my childhood, and I’m sure were a part of your life as well, so a double take was definitely involved when I found out the truth.

 This challenge is fun to see how many false memories we think are correct. The brain is so incredibly sophisticated and the process of encoding memory is so complex, it’s surprising to see such a phenomenon exist— especially on such a wide number of people. Be sure to share these images with friends and family, and challenge them to see how the Madela effect has impacted their memories!

(Images pulled from Good Housekeeping)