'Einstein's brain for sale': Chinese portal already sold 20,000 units
What's the story
An online shopping portal in China named Taobao is selling a product that improves brain power by instilling confidence and joy in people.
While this in itself sounds a little unusual, what makes it weirder is that they claim that those who buy this product can develop a brain like that of Albert Einstein.
Turns out, 20,000 customers have already bought it!
Product
'In a night, you'll find Einstein's brain in your head'
Not a medicine or a chip, this viral product is reportedly virtual.
The advertisement reads, "Our product is virtual. After you pay for it, what you need to do is to wait to become smart. Usually after one night's sleep, you will find the Einstein brain has already grown in your head."
The packaging features the German theoretical physicist's face.
Information
The platform is owned by the Alibaba Group
If you thought that Taobao is a platform with no credibility, you will be surprised to discover that it is owned by the Alibaba Group. It is the country's leading shopping website and the eighth most-visited website globally in 2021.
Prices
Price of this product varies from 0.1 to 1 yuan
As per Yangtze Evening News, this product which has taken the internet by storm is available at a frugal price of 0.1 to one yuan (Re. 1 to Rs. 12) per unit.
And if sources are to be believed, the product has already amassed Rs. 2,20,000 (and counting!).
It has become a craze among China's population, with most people leaving positive feedback.
Feedback
'It's very effective, could solve all problems,' writes a user
About 20,000 people bought the product, and it started receiving positive word of mouth feedback from those who used it and found a difference in their brain power.
A user wrote, "It's very effective. When I took a test after buying it, I found I could solve all the problems in the examination."
Another one shared that it offers psychological comfort or a belief.
Negativity
Some customers shared negative feedback
There were a couple of other customers who expressed their discontentment toward the product after buying it.
"It's useful. I can now easily solve addition and subtraction problems involving numbers below 10," wrote a customer in the feedback section.
Another online shopper wrote, "After buying, I realized I was silly before. So as expected, I became clever."
Reality
Does it really enhance your brain power? Let's find out
Going by Chen Zhilin, a Chongqing-based psychological consultant, this product is only designed to help one manage their emotions and experience comfort. It is probably safe to say that it is another relaxant or a mood booster.
According to Zhilin, it is an affordable escape to joy and happiness.
However, it doesn't medically increase your cognitive strength or make you more intelligent.
Brain health
Do brain health enhancers available in the market work?
Harvard Medical School in its report about brain health supplements published on August 8 this year states that one should not buy into such enhancers.
"There's no solid proof any of them work," says the research.
"Manufacturers don't have to back up any claim that their product is effective" since the "FDA doesn't oversee product testing or ingredient accuracy," it further states.