From childhood stories to everyday advice, myths and misconceptions shape how we see the world. We often accept them as facts, passed down through generations or spread widely by pop culture. But how many of these widely held beliefs are actually true? It turns out that some of the things we’ve been taught are nothing more than fiction.
Let’s talk about it, we’ll debunk some of the most popular myths that people still believe, even though science and logic tell us otherwise.
Myth #1: We Only Use 10% of Our Brain
One of the most popular myths of all time is the idea that humans use only 10% of their brains. This belief has been referenced in books, movies, and motivational speeches, suggesting that unlocking the remaining 90% could grant us extraordinary abilities.
The Truth: We Use Our Entire Brain
Neuroscientists have thoroughly debunked this myth. Brain scans, such as MRIs and PET scans, show that almost all parts of the brain have activity, even when we’re resting or sleeping. Different brain areas are responsible for various functions, from movement to memory, emotions, and problem-solving. While we may not always engage every part of the brain at once, we certainly use far more than just 10%.
Myth #2: Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
Many parents believe that giving their children sweets will cause them to bounce off the walls with energy. This belief is so widespread that it has influenced parenting choices and even school policies.
The Truth: Sugar Isn’t the Culprit
Scientific studies have found no strong evidence that sugar directly causes hyperactivity in children. The “sugar rush” is more of a psychological expectation than a biological reaction. In many cases, children become more energetic simply because they’re in exciting environments, such as birthday parties or holidays, where sugary treats are commonly consumed.
Myth #3: Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
We’ve all heard the claim that goldfish can only remember things for three seconds, making them the ultimate symbol of forgetfulness.
The Truth: Goldfish Have Surprisingly Good Memories
Contrary to this belief, studies have shown that goldfish can remember things for months and even learn to associate sounds with feeding times. Some fish can be trained to navigate mazes and recognize their owners. Their memory is far from the short-lived myth we’ve been led to believe.
Myth #4: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This common saying is often used metaphorically to suggest that bad luck doesn’t strike twice in the same way. But what about actual lightning?
The Truth: Lightning Often Strikes the Same Place Multiple Times
Lightning is not selective about where it strikes, and some locations like tall buildings, trees, and open fields are hit repeatedly. For example, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning dozens of times a year.
Myth #5: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Many people believe that cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis later in life. Parents and teachers often warn against the habit, thinking it could damage joints.
The Truth: No Link to Arthritis
Studies have found no direct connection between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The popping sound is caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid between joints, not bone damage. While excessive knuckle cracking might weaken grip strength over time, it does not cause arthritis.
Myth #6: You Swallow Eight Spiders a Year While Sleeping
This myth is enough to make anyone feel uneasy at bedtime. The idea that spiders crawl into our mouths while we sleep has been widely shared online.
The Truth: It’s Extremely Unlikely
Spiders don’t intentionally crawl into people’s mouths. They avoid humans because of the vibrations we create from breathing and movement. The origin of this myth is believed to have come from a fabricated “fact” meant to demonstrate how easily misinformation spreads.
Myth #7: A Penny Dropped from a Skyscraper Can Kill Someone
It’s a popular urban legend that dropping a penny from a tall building, like the Empire State Building, could be fatal to someone walking below.
The Truth: A Penny Isn’t Deadly
Physics proves that a falling penny wouldn’t have enough mass or speed to cause serious harm. Air resistance slows it down significantly, meaning it would hit someone with only a slight sting, not enough to cause death.
Myth #8: Bats Are Blind
The phrase “blind as a bat” has led many people to believe that bats rely solely on echolocation because they can’t see.
The Truth: Bats Have Good Vision
While bats do use echolocation to navigate in the dark, they also have well-developed eyesight. Some species even see better than humans in low-light conditions.
Myth #9: Eating Carrots Improves Your Eyesight
You’ve probably heard that eating carrots will give you perfect vision or even allow you to see in the dark.
The Truth: Carrots Support Eye Health but Don’t Improve Vision
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, a nutrient essential for eye health. However, eating excessive amounts of carrots won’t dramatically improve vision or allow you to see in complete darkness.
The origin of this myth dates back to World War II when British intelligence spread misinformation to explain their pilots’ improved night vision, which was actually due to radar technology.
Myth #10: If You Touch a Baby Bird, Its Mother Will Reject It
Many people believe that if you pick up a baby bird and return it to its nest, the mother will abandon it due to the human scent.
The Truth: Most Birds Don’t Rely on Smell
Birds have a poor sense of smell, and most will not reject their young if they have been handled by humans. If you find a baby bird, it’s often best to leave it alone unless it’s in immediate danger, in which case you can safely return it to its nest.
Always Question What You Hear
These myths have persisted for years, but science has debunked them. It’s always a good idea to fact-check before believing widely spread claims. Next time someone tells you one of these myths, you can confidently share the real truth!
Are there any other myths you’ve heard that seem suspicious? Let’s uncover the truth together!
