19 Surprising Myths That Modern Society Just Can’t Stop Believing
It’s amazing how some myths persist despite the wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. From old wives’ tales to misunderstood science, these misconceptions cling to our collective consciousness.
Whether they stem from miscommunication, outdated information, or cultural storytelling, they shape the way people view the world. Let’s dive into 19 myths and misconceptions that many still believe—and uncover the truths behind them.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This is completely false. Lightning often strikes the same spot multiple times, especially tall structures like skyscrapers or trees.
The Empire State Building, for example, is struck by lightning dozens of times a year. It’s all about physics, not luck.
You Only Use 10% of Your Brain
This popular myth has been debunked repeatedly. Brain scans show that nearly all parts of the brain have some level of activity throughout the day.
The myth likely originated from a misinterpretation of neurological studies in the early 20th century.
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Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Goldfish are actually smarter than this myth suggests. Studies show that they can remember things for weeks and even recognize their owners.
Their cognitive abilities have been underestimated for years.
Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis
While the sound may annoy people, research has shown no direct link between knuckle-cracking and arthritis. The sound comes from bubbles forming and popping in the joint fluid, not from bone damage.
Bats Are Blind
Bats can see perfectly well, though they rely heavily on echolocation to navigate in the dark. Their eyesight is adapted to low light, making them excellent night hunters.
The phrase “blind as a bat” is just a linguistic exaggeration.
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Hair Grows Back Thicker After Shaving
Shaving doesn’t change the thickness or speed of hair growth. The blunt tips of regrowing hair might feel coarser, but that’s just the way it feels—not a change in the hair itself.
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
The Great Wall is long but very narrow, making it difficult to see from space without special equipment. Astronauts have debunked this myth multiple times, confirming that it’s barely discernible with the naked eye.
Eating Before Swimming Causes Cramps
There’s no evidence to support the idea that eating before swimming significantly increases the risk of cramps. While vigorous exercise on a full stomach might feel uncomfortable, it’s not inherently dangerous.
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Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
Multiple studies have shown no causal link between sugar and hyperactivity in children. The “sugar rush” is more psychological or a result of excitement during events like parties.
Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
Gum isn’t digested, but it doesn’t sit in your stomach for years either. It passes through your digestive system like most other substances that aren’t absorbed by the body.
Humans Evolved From Monkeys
Humans and modern monkeys share a common ancestor, but one didn’t evolve from the other. The evolutionary tree is more complex, with branches leading to different species over millions of years.
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Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand
Ostriches don’t bury their heads when scared. Instead, they lower their heads to the ground to blend in, creating the illusion of burying them.
It’s a survival tactic, not a sign of cluelessness.
If You Drop a Penny From a Tall Building, It Can Kill Someone
A penny lacks the mass and speed to be lethal. While falling pennies might sting, they won’t cause significant harm because air resistance slows them down.
Carrots Improve Night Vision
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is good for eye health, but they won’t give you superhuman night vision. This myth started as WWII propaganda to hide the development of radar technology.
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Waking a Sleepwalker Is Dangerous
It’s not dangerous to wake a sleepwalker, though they might be disoriented or startled. In fact, gently guiding them back to bed can be safer than letting them wander and risk injury.
Bulls Hate the Color Red
Bulls are colorblind to red. It’s the movement of the matador’s cape that provokes them, not its color.
The association of bulls with red is purely symbolic.
Touching a Baby Bird Makes Its Parents Abandon It
Birds have a limited sense of smell, and touching their chicks won’t make them abandon their young. If you find a baby bird, it’s usually safe to return it to its nest.
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Body Heat Escapes Mostly Through Your Head
While the head is often uncovered, heat loss depends on how much skin is exposed, not just the location. Covering any exposed area of your body will help retain heat.
Sharks Can Smell a Single Drop of Blood Miles Away
Sharks have an excellent sense of smell, but the idea that they can detect a single drop of blood from miles away is an exaggeration. Their sense of smell is powerful but not supernatural.
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