That may be how the term was coined, but that is not the common usage in my experience. Simply Googling 'Mandela Effect' will yield many examples of widespread misconceptions and false memories that you can easily verify with a few peers. Just because one explanation is implausible doesn't mean the effect isn't real. False memories are pretty common.

I've noticed that I can vividly recall experiences in other countries but my memory has altered itself to match the side of the road I'm currently used to driving on, and have confirmed this experience with others.