Some false ideas are widely repeated and embedded into our culture to the point where we don’t even think to question them. Learn some common pervasive mistruths and the facts behind these inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. Astronauts confirm that the wall blends into the natural landscape. Its narrow width makes it less discernible than many other human-made structures. This misconception likely grew from the awe of its massive, continuous structure.
We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
The myth that humans only use 10% of their brains is a complete fabrication. Neuroscientists have shown that we use virtually every part of our brain and that most of the brain is active almost all the time. This myth might stem from a misunderstanding of neurological research or from a metaphorical sense of untapped potential. Regardless, it’s clear we’re getting more out of our brains than this myth suggests.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Contrary to the popular notion, goldfish have a memory span that is far longer than three seconds. Research shows they can remember things for months. They are capable of learning complex tasks, which wouldn’t be possible with such a short memory span. This misconception likely stems from observing their repetitive behavior in small, featureless tanks.
Humans Swallow Eight Spiders a Year in Their Sleep
The idea that the average person swallows eight spiders a year while sleeping is not based on any scientific evidence. This urban legend was debunked by arachnologists who state that spiders generally avoid humans. The myth possibly started as a way to evoke shock or to illustrate the gullibility of people when reading facts online. In reality, such incidents are rare to non-existent.
Sugar Causes Hyperactivity in Children
Despite popular belief, scientific studies have not found a direct link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. The myth might stem from the observable energy surge children exhibit at parties where sugary foods are abundant. However, this behavior is more likely tied to the exciting environment rather than sugar intake. This misconception has been debunked through various controlled studies.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Contrary to the saying, lightning can and does strike the same place more than once. Tall buildings and other structures are often hit by multiple strikes during a single thunderstorm. The Empire State Building, for instance, is struck by lightning around 25 times a year. This myth likely originated from the rarity of lightning strikes, making repeated strikes seem improbable.
Bats Are Blind
The myth that bats are blind is far from the truth. While many bat species use echolocation to navigate in the dark, they also have eyes and can see. In fact, some bats have relatively good night vision. This misconception might stem from their nocturnal habits and remarkable echolocation abilities.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
Despite popular depictions, there is no historical evidence to suggest that Vikings wore horned helmets. This image likely originated from 19th-century art and was popularized by its use in opera costumes. Real Viking helmets were conical, made from hard leather with metal reinforcements. The horned helmet is a myth that has grown into a cultural stereotype.
Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand
Ostriches do not actually bury their heads in the sand when threatened. This misconception might come from observing ostriches bending down to eat or pick things from the ground. They actually rely on their speed to escape predators. The myth serves as a metaphor for people who avoid facing their problems.
The Five-Second Rule
The belief that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat within five seconds is a myth. Bacteria can contaminate food almost instantaneously. The rule is more about comfort than science, as it provides a quick justification for eating something one does not want to waste. Its origin is unclear, but it is widely regarded as a piece of folklore rather than fact.
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
There is no evidence to support the idea that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis. The sound you hear is gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid, not bones grinding. Studies have shown no significant difference in the incidence of arthritis between habitual knuckle-crackers and those who don’t crack their knuckles. This misconception might stem from the sound’s association with bone damage.
Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
Shaving does not change the thickness, color, or rate of hair growth. After shaving, the blunt tip of the hair may feel coarser as it grows out. Over time, hair naturally becomes thicker and darker, leading to misconceptions. This myth is often perpetuated by personal anecdotes rather than scientific evidence.
You Can Catch a Cold by Being Cold
Colds are caused by viruses, not by cold weather or going outside with wet hair. While cold weather might correlate with the cold season, it’s more likely due to people spending more time indoors and in close contact with others. This misconception likely comes from the name and the commonality of colds during colder seasons.
The Color Red Makes Bulls Angry
Bulls, like other cattle, are color-blind to red. The movement of the matador’s cape, not its color, provokes the bull in a bullfight. This myth might stem from the dramatic contrast of red against the bullring’s sandy background, emphasizing the spectacle. The tradition of using a red cape has more to do with masking the bull’s blood than agitating it.
Touching a Baby Bird Will Make Its Mother Reject It
Birds have a limited sense of smell and are unlikely to abandon their young because of human scent. This myth might discourage well-meaning people from returning a chick to its nest. In reality, parents are often more devoted to their offspring than to be deterred by a new smell. This misconception serves more as a cautionary tale than a fact.
The Moon Has a Dark Side
While one side of the Moon is always facing away from Earth, it’s not perpetually dark. The “far side” of the Moon receives just as much sunlight as the side facing Earth. This misconception might come from the term “dark side” being confused with “far side.” The far side is only dark to us on Earth because it’s unseen, not because it lacks sunlight.
Chameleons Change Color for Camouflage
While chameleons do change color, it’s more often a response to temperature, light, and mood rather than for camouflage. Their color change serves as a form of communication and a reaction to environmental factors. This misconception likely comes from observing chameleons in varied surroundings, leading to the assumption that camouflage is the primary purpose.
You Must Wait 24 Hours Before Reporting a Missing Person
The belief that you must wait 24 hours before reporting someone as missing is false. Authorities encourage immediate reporting, especially if the missing individual is a child or vulnerable adult. This myth might stem from television and movies, where dramatic tension is built by delaying the search. In reality, the first hours are critical in cases of missing persons.
Eating Carrots Improves Your Night Vision
While carrots are high 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 the British to explain their pilots’ success during night raids, which was actually due to radar advancements. The myth served as useful propaganda to mislead the enemy and encourage the public to eat healthily.
If You Touch a Frog, You’ll Get Warts
The belief that touching a frog or toad can cause warts is a complete myth. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), not by frogs or toads. The bumps on a frog’s skin might resemble warts, leading to this association. This myth is likely perpetuated by the visible similarities and a general lack of understanding of both warts and amphibians.
