Drinking Age Raised to 25? Hoax News Hits Internet, Fools Millions
A news item released by Nipsys News (formerly Sunday Times Daily) has claimed that as of August 2 this year, the legal age to drink alcohol will be increased from 21 to 25. The alleged reason is that at that age (21) "they are not mentally responsible to drink."
According to the post, the White House legislation committee came to an agreement to adjust the legal age drinking with the plan's nationwide implementation starting two days ago. However, for the eagle-eyed readers there was also a disclaimer attached to the site saying that the news was simply a hoax.
However, thousands online were fooled by the posting and took the news to be true. Many people expressed outrage online that the drinking age was being raised to 25.
Over the past few weeks, the "news" on social media gained more than 9 million hits.
The site is also behind numerous previous pranks that involved the supposed termination of coupon redemption in the US starting July 1. However, that was also proved to be a hoax, but also tricked a lot of people on the internet, drawing negative reactions. Similarly, the post ended like the latest hoax, with a GIF of actor Leonardo DiCaprio from The Great Gatsby giving a "well played" gesture and raising a glass.
