As the world moves closer to 2026, social media platforms are once again flooded with alarming claims suggesting that humanity is heading toward an inevitable end. From TikTok to X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, dramatic posts and videos warning of global collapse have attracted millions of views since late 2026.
These viral claims often raise a single troubling question: Is 2026 really the year everything ends?
Experts say the answer is clear — there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims.
According to researchers, the idea of a 2026 doomsday is largely built on a mix of misinterpreted theories, outdated population models, extreme environmental predictions, and widespread global anxiety. One frequently cited reference traces back to a 1960s mathematical model by German-born scientist Heinz von Foerster, which discussed rapid population growth. However, experts stress that the model was never meant to predict human extinction.
Another source fueling these fears comes from the views of retired environmental scientist Guy McPherson, who has long warned about the severe consequences of climate change. While he has spoken about potential societal collapse, no credible scientific body has identified 2026 as an extinction deadline. The year has instead been symbolically adopted by some online groups.
Specialists explain that growing concerns about climate change, resource depletion, rising populations, technological risks, and geopolitical tensions are being combined into a single dramatic narrative. Psychological stress, economic uncertainty, and the rapid spread of misinformation on social platforms have amplified these fears.
Experts strongly advise the public to rely on verified scientific sources rather than viral content, warning that fear-based misinformation itself has become a serious social challenge in the digital age.
