TikTokers think the solar eclipse will glitch our world simulation.
On Monday, April 8th, a total solar eclipse will take place, providing a spectacle for approximately 44 million people living in the areas of the Earth that will be completely shielded by the Moon as it passes between us and the sun. However, there are more than a few individuals on platforms like YouTube and TikTok who believe that April 8th could be, quite literally, the end of the world.
The Eclipse and the Myth of Nínive
One of the most common claims circulating online in recent months is that the solar eclipse will pass through six, seven, or eight (depending on) towns named Nínive in the United States and Canada. TikTokers have even produced maps purporting to show the path of totality passing through these towns.
Nínive was a city visited by the biblical figure Jonah, a Hebrew prophet who lived in the 8th century BC. And some social media influencers claim that an eclipse occurred when Jonah was in the city of Nínive, suggesting that the same will happen to modern-day Americans on Monday.
In reality, the path of totality does not pass through six, seven, or eight cities named Nínive. The path of totality only crosses through two cities named Nínive, in Ohio and Indiana, which certainly makes the claim of this being a sign from God sound less ominous.
Debunking the Conspiracy Theories
Dan McClellan, a biblical scholar who often answers questions on TikTok about religious history, has created videos explaining why these prophecy claims are unfounded, even from a biblical perspective. His own map of various American cities named Nínive, created with NASA data, shows that there are actually only two.
“Anyone saying these cities fall within the path of totality is either lying about where they are located or has manipulated the path of totality,” said McClellan in a statement.
The total eclipse will also occur in places like Santa Claus, Indiana. Does that mean Christmas will come early this year? What about Ding Dong, Texas, which will also be in the path of totality? Will God deliver chocolate cake snacks? Or what about Booger Hole, West Virginia? If you wanted to build a conspiracy theory about the Moon trying to protect the world’s boogers from the harmful rays of the Sun, it wouldn’t be difficult to use the same logic as these TikTokers.
Warnings of Power Outages and Cellular Network Failures
Social media creators also seem obsessed with the possibility of power outages and cellular network failures.
“They’re saying be prepared for power outages and stuff. Cell service interruptions. Buy the necessary foods, watch,” a TikTok creator said while pointing to screenshots of various articles.
However, later in the video, it becomes clear why this particular creator may be interested in spreading fear about power outages. They are selling solar-powered blocks that include a flashlight and a phone charger.
These individuals selectively cite real articles and take them out of context. Yes, some small towns that have promoted themselves as destinations to observe the solar eclipse have had issues with cell service during peak tourism days in the past. However, that is just what can happen when cell towers are overwhelmed with more visitors than usual in a town.
Economic and Emergency Preparedness Measures
Conspiracy theorists have also noted that some mayors of small towns are making disaster declarations in the lead-up to the eclipse. But once again, this is an example of people taking things out of context. The city officials of Dripping Springs, Texas, have been promoting the city as a great place to view the eclipse and the City Hall signing a disaster declaration. However, the city made it clear that this is just a prudent step to mobilize resources for an influx of tourists.
The Texas Department of Transportation estimates that around one million people will visit Texas during the solar eclipse, and that kind of influx can stress the infrastructure in small towns. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services held a press conference about the potential for power and cell phone outages during the eclipse, as these systems will experience an influx of visitors. State campsites in New York will be at 93% capacity by Monday, according to state officials, which means that all those smaller towns could see their systems overloaded.
Secular Predictions and Simulation Theories
There are also more secular predictions about the end of our world, as some individuals insist that the biblical prophecies being spread are tied to the collapse of our “reality.” These comments are related to the belief that everything in our universe is actually akin to a computer simulation and we simply don’t know it. Creators use strange mathematical calculations to supposedly demonstrate that we live in a simulation due to the .
Living in a Simulation?
For what it’s worth, there are many intelligent people who do not dismiss the possibility that we are living in a simulation. The problem is that there is no way to prove this theory. What we do know for sure is that eclipses are timed due to the orbits of the Earth and the Moon.
The Spread of Ideas
Humans have been observing eclipses since the dawn of civilization. But these ideas can spread faster than ever, thanks to this strange machine we call the internet. You don’t need to worry about the end of the world on Monday. Your biggest concern should be making sure you have proper to observe the eclipse so as not to permanently damage your eyes.
