House Hippo Commercial

BruceCited 3× on HN, 2018–2023

YouTube

comedy · general · evergreen · 2018–2023 on HN

A one-minute Canadian public-service spot about a house hippo, a hoax that makes the point that you should not believe everything you see on television.

Used as a joking reference when threads discuss fake news, hoaxes and gullibility.

Media, journalism & propaganda Satire & parody #hoax #psa #fakenews #canadiantv

3 comments from Hacker News

@isk5172023-06 · in “How the U.S. Almost Became a Nation of Hippo Ranchers”

I'm going to assume these mini hippos are a cross between the standard African hippo and the North American House Hippo. ▶ this video

Joke View on HN

@Kibae2022-09 · in “I fooled millions into thinking chocolate helps weight loss (2015)”

I remember growing up in Canada, there were commercials about "house hippos" [1] and the first time I saw the commercial, I actually believed what was being presented. Thinking back, I think the campaign actually worked on me because it made me realize how obviously fake things can be made to seem real if it's presented by a seemingly authoritative figure. [1] ▶ this video

Cites View on HN

@Null-Set2018-02 · in “Cognitive Ability and Vulnerability to Fake News”

The article reccomends a PSA teaching the metacognitive skill of asking yourself why you believe something and if you know any reason it isn't true. It reminds me of the legendary Canadian House Hippo PSA. ▶ this video

Joke View on HN