Jennifer Aniston is filming ‘The Morning Show.’ (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
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One of the most oddball stories in recent years simply refuses to die: rumors that Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama are dating.
While there’s no hard evidence this is true, that hasn’t stopped the internet running with it and posting wildly about the relationship. Some people are tongue-in-cheek about the rumor (like the below post), but many others see it as a full blown conspiracy.
It’s an interesting use case in how the internet can amplify and elevate misinformation, creating a self-perpetuating rumor that only swells with time.
To begin with, let’s look at the genesis of the story.
Where Did The Rumors That Jennifer Aniston And Barack Obama Are Dating Come From?
Trying to uncover precisely where the idea that Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama are in a relationship came from is a tough, if borderline impossible, task.
One of the first examples of this rumor reaching a wide audience comes from an August 2024 issue of In Touch Weekly. That magazine ran a feature entitled “The Truth About Jen & Barack!”
This claimed that the former President was going to leave his wife, Michelle Obama, because Aniston and him were “obsessed with each other.”
The story reached an increasingly wide circulation when the Friends actor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel at the start of October 2024:
In the appearance, Aniston states that the rumors of a relationship with Obama are “absolutely untrue,” and is amused at the premise.
Around this time, the social media frenzy died down—but it has rocketed back in recent days. The exact cause is hard to pinpoint, but Yahoo suggests this was down to Michelle Obama not attending Jimmy Carter’s funeral or Donald Trump’s inauguration. Some saw this as proof of Barack and Michelle Obama’s relationship being on the rocks.
It doesn’t appear to be a conspiracy with much evidence though.
The New York Times reported that Michelle Obama didn’t appear at Jimmy Carter’s funeral because she had a scheduling conflict, and although there wasn’t a solid reason given about why she wasn’t at Trump’s inauguration, she has a long history of expressing disdain for him.
How Has The Internet Reacted To Rumors Of Jennifer Aniston And Barack Obama Dating?
Many of the posts on social media aren’t suitable to share here. While some people posted what joke-y responses to the rumors:
Others had far more reactionary takes about the rumors of Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama dating. This includes references to sexuality, deep state links, psychological operations (PYSOPS), and individuals suspected of being trans.
It’s a minefield of strange conspiracies and hearsay that, as far as anyone can discover, is based on no solid, factual foundation, So what’s happening? Why is the internet acting this way?
Explaining Why Social Media Is Running With The Jennifer Aniston And Barack Obama Dating Rumors
There are several reasons why stories like the rumored Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama relationship spread like wildfire on the internet.
Research shows that humans are inclined towards newness. “Our brains are highly responsive to novelty,” says a report on the topic entitled Neurotransmitters and Novelty: A Systematic Review.
Effectively we’re geared to find new experiences fascinating and seek them out. This is true for big things, like travelling, but it’s also true for unusual connections. The idea of two public figures from total different worlds—like Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama—being together is unusual enough that it piques our interest.
Combine that with the fact they’re two of the most famous people in the world, then you have the raw ingredients for a story to spread—especially when social media is involved.
Swathes of research and reports exist about how the structure of the online world can serve to spread misinformation. The ability for data and stories to spread instantaneously, the fact that unusual and extreme content receives more likes on average, and the feeling of being part of a community that knows more than the general populace are all factors in making social media an ideal breeding ground for rumors and conspiracies.
Ultimately, it’s deeply unlikely that the stories of Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama dating are true. This is merely a novel idea that hooked people in, before being amplified by social media.
It’s a prime reminder to not believe everything you read or see. And while it’s true stranger things have happened than Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama getting together, it’s unlikely that swarms of people online got the scoop.
