A viral TikTok astrologer prediction led to the arrest of a 21-year-old in Myanmar. His posts caused nationwide panic and raised questions about free expression in the digital age. The now-deleted TikTok post claimed that a major earthquake would strike Myanmar on April 21 between noon and 1 p.m.
It racked up over 3 million views and spread to the user’s 300,000 followers and beyond.
Earthquake panic follows TikTok post
The user, who went by “John Moe The,” posted a series of photos predicting a strong earthquake. His prediction came just two weeks after a 7.7-magnitude quake killed over 3,500 people in Southeast Asia.
One of the slides read, “Don’t stay in tall buildings on that day… stay away from beaches and places where landslides can occur.” He also urged viewers to pack essential items and run from buildings if needed.
Many people followed the warning. One resident told AFP most of her neighbors spent the day living outside for fear the quake would happen.
Authorities responded quickly. A statement obtained by the BBC said John was arrested for making “false statements with the intention of causing public panic.”
Myanmar cracks down on viral misinformation
Myanmar’s State Administration Council has stepped up efforts to monitor online content. In 2023, it created a committee to crack down on fake news and conduct round-the-clock media surveillance.
John’s predictions went further than earthquakes. According to the Daily Mail, John also forecasted other disasters and even claimed there would be American airstrikes on Myanmar territory.
Turkish astrologer also detained
John isn’t the only astrologer facing backlash this year. In February, a well-known Turkish astrologer was detained after predicting the death of a high-ranking political leader.
She posted on X, “I think Devlet Bahçeli should have his lungs checked. If I’m the best medical astrologer in the country, which I am, he has a very serious lung problem and shortness of breath.”
She then claimed he would die before the next election and that the government would collapse. Legal proceedings against her are ongoing, according to The Sun.
Astrology vs. science
As of Friday, Myanmar officials had not released updates on John’s status or any further charges.
Despite skepticism, astrology continues to resonate. A 2022 YouGov poll found that over one in four Americans believe in astrology. Among adults under 30, 37% said the positions of stars and planets impact people’s lives.
However, when it comes to earthquakes, science disagrees. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) states, “Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future.”
