Mandela Effect

The Mandela Effect refers to a phenomenon where a large group of people remembers an event, fact, or detail differently than how it actually occurred. Named after Nelson Mandela, whom many mistakenly believed died in prison in the 1980s, it highlights how collective memories can create false recollections. This effect occurs due to the brain's tendency to fill in gaps or reconstruct memories based on familiarity, leading to shared yet inaccurate beliefs. It illustrates the complexities of human memory and perception, showing that our understanding of reality can be shaped by shared experiences, culture, and misinformation.