There are some things that are so obviously rubbish, but loads of people still buy into them regardless.
Some myths stick around, no matter how many times they’re debunked, often because they’re repeated so much they start to feel real. Here are a few common myths that don’t hold up to closer inspection. Nevertheless, they still haven’t gone away — a good chunk of the public still think they’re real!
1. Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
Many people believe that cracking knuckles leads to arthritis, but there’s no evidence to back this up. The popping sound comes from bubbles in the fluid around the joints, not from damage. Studies haven’t found a connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis. It may be annoying to some, but it’s harmless.
2. We only use 10% of our brains.
This popular myth suggests that 90% of our brain power goes unused, but brain scans show we use all parts of our brain, even while resting. Different areas are active for different functions, but nothing is “unused.” The idea sounds intriguing, but it’s just not true.
3. Goldfish have a three-second memory.
Goldfish actually have memories that last for months, not seconds. They can be trained to perform tasks and remember patterns, showing they’re smarter than they get credit for. Next time you see a goldfish, know it’s more aware than the myth suggests. It’s unfair to underestimate them!
4. Bulls get angry at the colour red.
It’s not the colour that bothers bulls, but the movement of the fabric. Bulls are colour-blind to red and green, so the red cape in bullfighting is more for tradition than effect. The movement, not the colour, is what attracts their attention. Bulls don’t see red the way we do.
5. Humans have five senses.
Source: Unsplash We’re taught about the five senses, but humans actually have more – like balance, temperature, and pain perception. These “extra” senses help us navigate the world in ways we don’t always notice. Our understanding of senses goes beyond just the basic five. We have far more ways of perceiving than we might think.
6. Shaving makes hair grow back thicker.
Shaving doesn’t change the thickness, colour, or rate of hair growth. When hair grows back, it may feel coarser because it’s cut straight across, but it’s the same as before. This myth comes from the bluntness of regrowth, not any real change. Hair growth is unaffected by shaving.
7. You swallow eight spiders a year in your sleep.
This creepy idea has circulated for years, but there’s no evidence to support it. Spiders don’t seek out humans, especially not our mouths, and would likely avoid us altogether. It’s just a myth that plays on fears. You can sleep peacefully knowing spiders aren’t crawling into your mouth.
8. Sugar makes kids hyper.
Many parents swear sugar leads to hyperactivity, but studies haven’t found a direct link. Excitement at parties or events is often mistaken for a “sugar rush.” The myth sticks around, but sugar isn’t the cause. Kids get excited for other reasons, not just because of sugar.
9. The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
The Great Wall is long but narrow, making it difficult to see from space without special equipment. Astronauts have confirmed that it’s nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye. This idea makes for a good story, but it’s not true. Many man-made objects are invisible from space.
10. Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Lightning frequently strikes tall structures like skyscrapers multiple times. The Empire State Building, for example, gets struck about 20 times a year. The saying is catchy, but in reality, lightning can and does hit the same spot more than once. Tall objects are often repeat targets.
11. Bats are blind.
Bats actually have pretty good vision, especially at night, and they rely on echolocation to navigate even better. The myth likely started because they hunt in the dark, but they’re far from blind. Their vision works well with their other senses. Bats don’t rely solely on sound to get around.
12. Napoleon was unusually short.
Napoleon was actually around 5’6”, average height for his time. Confusion likely came from differences in French and British measurements. The myth persists, but Napoleon’s height was pretty typical. His reputation was larger than life, which made his height seem smaller by comparison.
13. You lose most of your body heat through your head.
While heat escapes through any exposed skin, the head isn’t a bigger heat-loss area than the rest of the body. If your head is uncovered, you’ll lose heat, but the same goes for any other part. Covering up anywhere will help you stay warm. Body heat loss isn’t specific to your head.
14. Chameleons change colour blend in.
Chameleons primarily change colour to communicate or regulate temperature, not to camouflage. Their colours shift based on mood, light, and temperature more than for hiding. Blending in is a side effect, not the main reason for colour change. Chameleons are way more expressive than we think.
15. Vaccines cause autism.
This myth has been debunked countless times; studies consistently show no link between vaccines and autism. The original study that sparked this idea was discredited long ago, but the myth persists. Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious diseases. Misinformation, not science, keeps this myth alive.
