Despite living in an age of instant information, some myths just refuse to die out. From quirky health tips to misunderstood science, these falsehoods refuse to fade. Even with facts at our fingertips, they still get passed around. Here are 14 strange beliefs that just aren’t true—and why we should finally let them go.
1. You Only Use 10% of Your Brain
This myth has been around forever, often linked to the idea of “unlocking hidden potential.” But science doesn’t back it up. Brain scans reveal activity throughout the entire brain, even when you’re resting. While not every neuron is firing at once, that doesn’t mean they’re sitting idle. This misconception sounds inspiring, but the truth is, your brain is already working at full capacity. So no, you’re not sitting on untapped genius—you’re just a fully functional human.
2. You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
The “8 glasses” rule is one of the most common myths, but hydration isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your body is perfectly capable of letting you know when it needs water—just listen to your thirst. Factors like activity level, weather, and diet all play a role. While staying hydrated is important, there’s no universal number of glasses to hit daily. The takeaway? Trust your body—it’s smarter than any hydration rule floating around on the internet.
3. Sugar Makes Kids Hyper
Parents often blame sugar for their kids’ wild behavior, but science says otherwise. Studies show no direct link between sugar intake and hyperactivity. Usually, it’s the exciting setting—a party, a holiday—that’s fueling the energy, not the sweets. This myth persists because it’s convenient to point to candy as the culprit. While cutting back on sugar is healthy, don’t assume it’s the reason your little ones are bouncing off the walls. Sometimes, they’re just excited to be kids.
4. Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis
If you’re a habitual knuckle-cracker, you’ve probably been warned about arthritis at least once. The truth? It’s not damaging your joints. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles collapsing in the synovial fluid around your joints. Studies have found no connection between cracking knuckles and arthritis. While it might annoy those around you, your knuckle-cracking habit isn’t doing your hands any harm. So go ahead—pop away guilt-free (just maybe not during a meeting).
5. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space
This “fact” has been repeated so often it feels true, but astronauts have debunked it. While the Great Wall is massive, it’s not visible from space with the naked eye. You’re more likely to spot city lights or large bodies of water. The Wall blends into its surroundings too much to stand out. It’s still an incredible feat of engineering, but it doesn’t quite live up to its outer-space legend. Time to leave this myth on the ground.
6. Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
This persistent beauty myth has no scientific backing. Shaving cuts hair at the surface, creating a blunt tip that feels coarser when it grows back. But the actual thickness, speed, and color of hair remain unchanged. The illusion of thicker hair comes from the way the regrowth feels, not any biological change. So if you’re holding off on shaving to avoid thick stubble, don’t worry—it’s all in the optics, not the follicles.
7. A Penny Dropped from a Skyscraper Could Kill Someone
This myth sounds dramatic but doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. A penny dropped from a skyscraper reaches a terminal velocity that’s too low to cause serious harm. It might sting if it hits someone, but it’s far from lethal. The laws of physics ensure that the penny loses momentum due to air resistance. While it’s not a pleasant thought, a falling penny won’t turn you into a tragic news story. Feel free to debunk this one at your next trivia night.
8. We Only Have Five Senses
The “big five” senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—are just the tip of the iceberg. Humans also rely on senses like balance, temperature, pain, and even internal signals like hunger and thirst. These lesser-known senses play a vital role in how we interact with the world. While the classic five are easy to teach in school, the truth is that our sensory system is far more complex and fascinating than we often realize.
9. Bulls Hate the Color Red
We’ve all seen bullfighters waving red capes, but the color isn’t what angers the bull. In reality, bulls are colorblind to red. What sets them off is the movement of the cape, not its hue. The myth likely persists because red capes look dramatic in the arena. It’s time to give bulls some credit—they’re reacting to motion, not color. Next time you see a bullfight, remember: it’s the showmanship, not the shade, that gets them charging.
10. Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Goldfish are often dismissed as forgetful, but research proves they’re sharper than we think. These little swimmers can remember routines, recognize their owners, and even learn simple tasks. Their memory spans months, not seconds. This myth likely stuck because it’s easy to underestimate goldfish. So, the next time you see one lazily swimming in its bowl, remember it might just recognize you—and it definitely remembers feeding time.
11. Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This comforting saying doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. In reality, lightning frequently strikes the same spot, especially tall structures like buildings and trees. The Empire State Building, for example, gets hit dozens of times a year. Lightning follows the path of least resistance, making repeat strikes not just possible but likely. While the phrase might offer some reassurance, it’s better to focus on safety than wishful thinking when storms roll in.
12. Detoxes “Cleanse” Your Body of Toxins
Detox teas, cleanses, and juices promise to rid your body of toxins, but your liver and kidneys already have that covered. These trendy products are more marketing than medicine. Unless you have a specific medical condition, your body doesn’t need extra help to detoxify. Save your money and focus on a balanced diet instead. Your organs are pros at keeping things clean without the help of overpriced drinks or celebrity-endorsed cleanses.
13. Eating Carrots Gives You Super Sight
The idea that carrots improve your eyesight originated as WWII propaganda. British pilots claimed their sharp night vision came from eating carrots to disguise their use of radar technology. While carrots do contain Vitamin A, which supports eye health, they won’t give you night-vision goggles. It’s a great excuse to eat your veggies, but don’t expect superhuman sight after a carrot binge. Sometimes, a good story just sticks, even if it’s not entirely true.
14. Cold Weather Causes Colds
It’s a common belief that chilly weather leads to colds, but viruses are the real culprits. In winter, we spend more time indoors in close quarters, which makes it easier for germs to spread. Cold air doesn’t make you sick, but it might dry out your nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to enter. The takeaway? Bundle up to stay warm, but remember that good hygiene and a strong immune system are your best defenses.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
