cave rescue 188 years old man rescued
A video has recently gone viral on social media, capturing the attention of millions. The footage, which has garnered almost 29 million views on X (formerly Twitter), shows an elderly man being assisted by two others as he walks with the help of a stick. The video, posted by a handle called ‘Concerned Citizen,’ includes a caption stating: “This Indian man has just been found in a cave. It’s alleged he’s 188 years old. Insane.”
With such an extraordinary claim, it’s no wonder that the video quickly sparked intrigue and disbelief among viewers. However, it didn’t take long for fact-checkers and skeptical netizens to raise questions about the authenticity of this claim.
What Is the Viral Video About?
The video in question appears to show a very elderly man with a hunched back and white beard, walking with support from two individuals. The caption accompanying the video alleges that this man is 188 years old and was recently found living in a cave near Bengaluru, India.
When Did the Video Go Viral?
The video was shared on X by the handle ‘Concerned Citizen,’ where it quickly gained momentum and amassed nearly 29 million views in just a short period. This viral event took place in early October 2024.
Who Is the Alleged ‘188-Year-Old’ Man?
While the video claims that the man is 188 years old, fact-checkers have pointed out discrepancies in this assertion. Multiple reports suggest that the individual seen in the clip is actually 110 years old. He is believed to be a Hindu saint from Madhya Pradesh rather than a hermit rescued from a cave near Bengaluru, as suggested in the viral post.
Where Did the Event Occur?
The viral post misleadingly claims that the elderly man was found in a cave near Bengaluru, India. However, fact-checking reports have not substantiated this location. The saint is more likely from Madhya Pradesh, a central Indian state, as per multiple sources.
Why Did This Video Go Viral?
The video likely gained popularity due to the incredible nature of the claim—that a man could live to the age of 188, which far exceeds the verified record for human longevity. People are naturally drawn to such sensational and seemingly impossible stories, especially when shared on platforms like X, where content can rapidly spread through likes, shares, and retweets.
What’s Next for the Viral Video?
As more reports debunk the claim of the man’s age, the conversation is shifting from fascination to skepticism. Fact-checking websites and social media users are now clarifying that the man in the video is not 188 years old but rather a centenarian from Madhya Pradesh. While the video continues to circulate, the original claim has been thoroughly debunked, and it’s expected that its reach may taper off as the truth comes to light.
What Are the Impacts of This Viral Video?
This video serves as a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread on social media. Millions of people were misled by the outrageous claim of a 188-year-old man, demonstrating the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. While the video entertained and intrigued viewers worldwide, it also highlighted the growing challenge of distinguishing fact from fiction in the fast-paced world of online content.
