No internet on January 16, 2025? The Simpsons’ viral prediction sparks curiosity

A viral video claims The Simpsons predicted a global internet outage on January 16, 2025, linked to Donald Trump's inauguration and caused by a shark chewing an underwater cable. Despite inaccuracies, including the wrong inauguration date, the video has sparked humour online. Experts say marine life disrupting cables is rare and unlikely to cause a global outage.
No internet on January 16, 2025? The Simpsons’ viral prediction sparks curiosity
The iconic animated series The Simpsons has long fascinated fans for its uncanny ability to seemingly predict real-world events. From smartwatches to global political developments, the show’s creators have unintentionally earned a reputation as time-traveling prophets. Adding to this legacy is a bizarre new claim that has taken social media by storm.
A viral video suggests that The Simpsons foretold a global internet outage on January 16, 2025. While many dismiss it as lighthearted entertainment, the rumor has sparked curiosity and humour online.

Global internet outage on January 16, 2025 predicted by The Simpsons | Watch video


The viral video, which claims to be from an episode of The Simpsons, suggests a complete internet shutdown coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President. The video humorously attributes this global outage to a white shark chewing through an underwater cable, blending absurdity with speculation. Adding to the inaccuracies is the claim that this event aligns with Trump’s inauguration, which is officially scheduled for January 20, 2025, rather than January 16. Despite these glaring errors, the video has captivated viewers, sparking debates, memes, and jokes across platforms.

Social media responds


The online reaction to the supposed prediction has been overwhelmingly humourous. Social media users have shared their comedic takes, with one user joking about running out of mobile data and another commenting, “If this happens, I’ll finally get a break from work-from-home!” While the majority see the claim for what it is—a fabricated tale meant for laughs—it has undeniably entertained millions. The video has also reignited discussions about how The Simpsons continues to influence pop culture through its seemingly prescient content.

Can sharks really disrupt the internet?


While the shark-chewing-cable scenario in the video adds to the absurdity of the claim, it does touch upon a real-world issue: marine life occasionally interfering with underwater internet cables. Instances of sharks and other sea creatures damaging these cables have been documented, prompting tech companies to reinforce their infrastructure. For example, Google has taken measures to wrap its undersea cables with materials similar to Kevlar, reducing the likelihood of damage caused by marine animals. However, such incidents are highly localized and unlikely to trigger a global outage.
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