Will the Internet Shut Down Worldwide on January 16th?

There’s a buzz all over social media right now—news that on January 16th, the internet will shut down across the globe. The reason? Apparently, internet cables will be eaten. Yes, you read that right.

This rumor has spread like wildfire, from America to Pakistan. But how much truth is there to it? Will the internet really go dark worldwide? Let’s dive into it.

The Origin of the Claim

Many people are pointing to the famous cartoon series The Simpsons. Over the years, The Simpsons has been known for making uncanny predictions, like Trump becoming the President of the United States or wildfires breaking out in America.

Now, a clip from The Simpsons is going viral on social media, allegedly showing a prediction where a shark eats underwater internet cables on January 16th, causing the internet to shut down everywhere. The clip shows people abandoning online platforms and meeting each other in person instead.

But here’s the twist—many are calling this clip fake, saying it’s nothing more than the work of a clever editor.

Do Sharks Actually Eat Internet Cables?

This isn’t the first time sharks and internet cables have been mentioned together. In fact, there’s an old joke in Pakistan: whenever the internet slows down, people say, “The shark ate the internet wire.” Even the chairman of PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) once clarified that sharks don’t eat internet cables.

Undersea internet cables are protected by thick layers of material, making them almost impossible for marine life to destroy. So, the idea of sharks chomping on cables and causing a global internet shutdown? Highly unlikely.

What’s the Reality?

Despite the rumors and the Simpsons clip making rounds on social media, there’s no credible evidence to suggest that the internet will shut down globally on January 16th. It’s just another viral story creating unnecessary panic and suspense.

So, What’s Next?

This is a good reminder to take viral news with a pinch of salt. The internet is not going anywhere, and sharks definitely aren’t out there plotting to cut us off from the digital world.

Enjoy the memes and jokes while they last, but rest assured, the world’s internet cables are safe.