Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 2:45 pm GMT
A video claiming to show a 188-year-old man rescued from a cave in Bengaluru has recently gone viral, amassing nearly 29 million views on social media. The post, which circulated on X, sparked curiosity but also raised eyebrows as the truth behind the claim began to emerge.
The Viral Video
The 24-second clip features two men helping an elderly individual with a hunchback and white beard as he walks with the aid of a walking stick. It was shared by a user called ‘Concerned Citizen,’ and stated: ”This Indian man has just been found in a cave. It’s alleged he’s 188 years old. Insane.” However, as the video spread, so did the scrutiny surrounding its claims.
Unraveling the Truth
Multiple reports quickly debunked the viral story. It turns out that the man in the video is not 188 years old, but rather around 110 years old. The elderly individual is identified as Siyaram Baba, a well-known Hindu saint from Madhya Pradesh, India. X has since issued a disclaimer addressing the misinformation, clarifying the man’s true identity and age.
Details on Siyaram Baba
Siyaram Baba is a revered figure in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. According to an article in Navbharat Times, published on July 2, 2024, he is 109 years old. The publication highlighted his importance in the local community. The viral misinformation regarding his age highlights a growing issue with misleading claims circulating on social media platforms.
Fact-Checking Responses
Reputable sources have weighed in on the video claim. D-Intent Data, a data verification group, also labeled the video as misleading. They emphasized that the assertion of an 188-year-old man being rescued is false. D-Intent Data stated, “ANALYSIS: Misleading. FACT: A video of some people helping an elderly individual has been shared, claiming that a 188-year-old Indian Man has just been found in a cave.” Their investigation clarified that the man seen in the video is indeed Siyaram Baba, not a person reaching an extraordinary age.
Warnings About Misinformation
The wave of misinformation has raised concerns among social media users. Influencers are often responsible for propagating false narratives just to gain more attention online. As noted by D-Intent Data, “Influencers are circulating videos with self-invented claims to get the spotlight on social media.” This trend highlights the need for critical thinking and verification before sharing sensational content.
Community Reception
The rapid spread of the video showcases how easily information can circulate on social media, regardless of its truth. Many users initially expressed amazement and skepticism about the extraordinary claim. However, most have since shifted towards a more informed perspective after being presented with the facts. The local community in Madhya Pradesh also expressed their pride in Siyaram Baba, who is known for his spiritual contributions.
- The viral video has nearly 29 million views.
- Siyaram Baba is recognized in Madhya Pradesh.
- He is reportedly 109 years old, not 188.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as an important reminder of the dangers of misinformation. In an age where news travels fast, the responsibility lies with individuals to verify facts before sharing potentially misleading information. As seen in the case of Siyaram Baba, what might be seen as an innocent curiosity can quickly spiral into widespread confusion.
For those who wish to stay informed, checking reliable sources and fact-checking websites remains crucial. This reality emphasizes the importance of media literacy in navigating today’s information landscape.
Conclusion
The story of a man who is 188 years old sounds really interesting, but we should be careful about believing everything we hear. It’s important to think critically and check our facts, especially with so much information online. As we read news on social media, let’s make sure we focus on getting the facts right and showing respect for the people in those stories.
