22 Myths Most People Still Believe (Even Though They’re False)
In today’s world, where we can find information so easily, it’s surprising how many wrong ideas still stick in our minds.
These false beliefs, handed down over time, still affect how we see things, even though they’re often not correct.
Tell us if any of these surprised you. Did we miss any common myths that people think are true but have already been proven wrong?
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
The idea that lightning never strikes the same place twice is incorrect. Lightning can and does strike the same location multiple times, particularly in areas with high conductivity, such as tall buildings or mountains.
Lightning follows the path of least resistance, and if a spot provides a convenient path, it can be struck repeatedly.
Goldfish Have a 3-Second Memory Span
People often believe that goldfish can only remember things for 3 seconds. But research shows that goldfish can remember things for much longer, sometimes even several months. They can learn and adjust to their surroundings, which wouldn’t work if their memory was really that short.
Humans Only Use 10% Of Their Brains
The idea that people only use 10% of their brains is a long-standing myth. Studies and brain scans have proven this wrong many times.
Even when we’re not doing anything, different parts of the brain stay busy. The brain is a complex organ, with almost every area playing a role, like handling senses or controlling body functions.
Bulls Are Enraged by the Color Red
Contrary to popular belief, bulls are not angered by the color red. Bulls are actually color-blind to red. Their reaction is to the movement of the matador’s cape, not its color. This myth likely stems from the traditional use of red capes in bullfighting.
Chameleons Change Color to Camouflage
While chameleons are known for their ability to change color, it’s not primarily for camouflage. They change color in response to various stimuli, including temperature, mood, communication, and social interactions.
Camouflage is just one reason behind their color-changing abilities but not the sole purpose.
The myth isn’t entirely false, just oversimplified.
Napoleon Bonaparte Was Extremely Short
The notion that Napoleon Bonaparte was exceptionally short is a long-standing myth. Historical records indicate that Napoleon was around 5 feet 6 inches tall, which was average for his time. This misconception likely arose from a misinterpretation of French measurements.
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The Great Wall of China Is Visible From Space
The belief that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye is a misconception. The wall is relatively narrow and often blends in with its surroundings.
Astronauts in orbit can only see it with the help of powerful telescopic lenses. This myth likely originated as an exaggeration.
People Think Caffeine Gives You Energy
Many people think caffeine gives us energy, but that’s not entirely true. Caffeine blocks certain receptors in the brain, which makes us feel less tired and more alert.
It can make you feel more energetic, but it doesn’t actually give your body energy.
Sugar Causes Hyperactivity in Children
Many parents think that sugar makes children hyperactive, so they limit sugary treats. But many scientific studies have not found a direct connection between eating sugar and being more hyperactive in kids.
The excitement of special events might be what really causes kids to seem hyperactive, not the sugar itself.
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Daddy Longlegs Are the Most Venomous Spiders
The myth that daddy longlegs are the most venomous spiders but lack the fangs to bite humans is false. Daddy longlegs, also known as harvestmen, are not even true spiders. They do not possess venom glands or fangs, making them harmless to humans.
But some clarification is needed. Cellar spiders are also called daddy longlegs. They do have venom that is harmless to humans.
Alcohol Warms You Up
Drinking alcohol can make you feel warm because it makes your blood vessels open up, which increases blood flow to your skin. But this can really cause you to lose heat and lower your body’s core temperature, making you more likely to get hypothermia.
The Tongue Map for Tasting Different Flavors
The idea that different regions of the tongue are responsible for specific tastes (e.g., sweet, salty, sour, bitter) is a widely held misconception. Scientific research has shown that taste receptors for all primary tastes are distributed across the entire tongue.
Taste perception is not limited to certain regions as previously believed.
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The Five Senses Are the Only Way To Perceive the World
Many people believe that humans have only five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. In reality, humans have multiple sensory systems, including proprioception (awareness of body position), thermoception (sensitivity to temperature), and nociception (pain perception).
These additional senses play crucial roles in how we interact with and perceive our environment
You Need to Wait 24 Hours Before Reporting a Missing Person
There is a widespread belief that you must wait 24 hours before reporting a missing person. This is not true. Authorities recommend reporting a missing person as soon as you realize they are missing, as immediate action can be crucial.
Shaving Hair Makes It Grow Back Thicker
Shaving does not change the thickness, color, or rate of hair growth. When hair grows back after shaving, it may feel coarser or look darker because it is cut at an angle, making it more noticeable, but the hair itself remains unchanged.
Polygraph Tests Are Reliable for Detecting Lies
The belief that polygraph tests are scientifically reliable for detecting lies is a misconception. Polygraphs measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductivity, which can be influenced by stress or anxiety rather than deception.
Although some claim the polygraph works about 75% of the time, its accuracy and reliability are highly debated. The inventor initially believed in its utility, but many scientists have since criticized its effectiveness and reliability.
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
The belief that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is a common myth. Studies have shown that there is no direct link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid within the joints.
Bats Are Blind
The phrase “blind as a bat” is misleading. Bats are not blind; they have eyes and can see. While their vision varies among species, many bats have excellent night vision. They rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark, but they are far from blind.
Humans Swallow Eight Spiders a Year While Sleeping
The idea that humans swallow eight spiders a year while sleeping is a myth. Spiders tend to avoid humans, and there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The myth likely originated as a way to illustrate how easily misinformation can spread.
Carrots Improve Night Vision
The belief that eating carrots significantly improves night vision is an exaggeration. While carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, they do not grant superhuman night vision. This myth was popularized during World War II by British propaganda.
Touching a Baby Bird Will Cause Its Mother to Reject It
The belief that touching a baby bird will cause its mother to reject it is false. Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will not abandon their chicks if they have been handled by humans. It is generally safe to return a fallen chick to its nest.
Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death
The appearance that hair and nails continue to grow after death is an illusion. After death, the skin dehydrates and retracts, making hair and nails appear longer. In reality, growth ceases when the body dies.
Myth Busters
In an age where information is readily accessible, it’s surprising how many myths continue to shape our understanding of the world.
Wrong ideas about our brains, caffeine, lie detectors, and lightning, among others, quietly but importantly influence our views. By correcting these long-held mistakes, we can have a better and more accurate understanding of the world.
Thinking carefully and being a bit skeptical are important for telling what’s true and what’s not. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and let the truth lead you.
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