The internet is full of half-truths, outdated science, and outright myths that many people still believe. Not always on purpose, of course, but somewhere between clickbait headlines and viral posts, a lot of nonsense gets passed off as fact. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are some of the most widely believed internet claims that simply aren’t true.
You Only Use 10% of Your Brain
One of the most popular myths the internet has spread is that humans only use 10% of their brains. In reality, brain scans have shown activity coursing through the entire brain, even while we are resting. However, this information probably originated and spread from a misinterpreted neurological study. Remember, every part of your brain has a known function, and modern neuroscience has confirmed that almost all areas of the brain are active over the course of a day.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
The internet absolutely loves this “quirky” fact, but it’s completely false. In actuality, goldfish have impressive memories, especially for fish, and are capable of remembering things for many months. They’ve also been trained to respond to sounds, lights, and specific feeding times. The myth probably caught traction to justify poor treatment and small tanks, but in truth, goldfish are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Many sources on the internet claim that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. However, studies, including one done by a doctor who cracked his knuckles for many decades, showed no connection between arthritis and the habit. The sound made when cracking your knuckles is merely caused by bubbles in the joint fluid, not any grinding that can lead to long-lasting damage. The only danger you might be in is when you annoy someone by cracking your knuckles too much.
Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
Despite what parents might believe, there’s no scientific evidence to prove that sugar intake spikes hyperactivity in children. Controlled studies have shown that kids behave exactly the same after consuming sugar as they do with a placebo consumable. Their excitement usually comes from the surrounding environment, like a holiday or birthday party, not the sugar.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This saying might be catchy, but it’s totally untrue. Lightning will often strike the same place multiple times, especially tall, isolated structures. An example is the Empire State Building, which is hit by lightning around 20 to 25 times every year. Lightning is simply drawn to the most conductive paths, so once it finds one, it’ll likely follow the same path again. So yes, lightning can definitely strike the same place twice.
You Swallow Eight Spiders a Year While Sleeping
This unsettling claim has been circulated online throughout the years, but it’s entirely made up. Spiders will generally avoid coming in contact with humans and avoid crawling into your mouth while you sleep. Even experts agree that a spider acting this way is highly unlikely. The myth likely started as a hoax to demonstrate how easily false information can spread through the internet, and what a great demonstration it was.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
The iconic image of Vikings with horned helmets is thanks to the 19th-century operas and pop culture depictions, not archaeological evidence. Actual Viking helmets have never been found with horns attached to them. Authentic Viking headgear was made to be practical, equipping a warrior for battle, not a decorative prop. The horned helmet myth still persists today for its visually striking nature and not because of its accuracy.
Hair and Nails Continue Growing After Death
This is an eerie myth that has been shared widely on the internet, but it’s actually based on a simple misunderstanding. After death, the skin will dehydrate and shrink, which makes your nails and hair appear longer. The truth is, cells are needed for growth to take place, and these functions stop shortly after death has occurred. It might look like they’ve grown, but it’s merely an illusion caused by the dried-up nature of the body.
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
The Great Wall of China is long, but it’s also narrow and made from materials that blend in with the surrounding landscape, making it impossible to see from space. Astronauts who’ve been to space have commented on this myth, saying it’s nearly impossible to see the Great Wall with your naked eye from space without any assistance. There are many other objects, like airports and city lights, that are far more visible whilst you’re floating in space.
You Can Detox Your Body with Special Diets or Teas
Detox cleansers and teas have become a massive business online, but your body already has a built-in detox system, which is your kidneys and your liver. Very little scientific proof has been released to support the toxin-elimination effectiveness of these drinks and diets, better than your own body naturally can. It’s more effective to save your money, eat a healthy diet, and stay adequately hydrated.
Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
We often hear this myth repeated quite a bit online. Shaving will only cut the hairs at the surface, which gives the illusion of thickness due to the many blunt ends left behind. However, it doesn’t affect the follicle and hair growth rate. So, whether you choose to shave or not, the density and texture of your hair are determined mainly by genetics, not your grooming habits.
Mount Everest Is the Tallest Mountain in the World
Mount Everest might have the highest elevation above sea level, but it’s technically not the tallest mountain from base to peak. That title actually goes to Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii, which rises over 33,500 feet starting at its base on the floor of the ocean, which is far more than the 29,032 feet of Mount Everest. The internet likes to skip this small detail, but how you define “tallest” also plays a role in the matter.
Bats Are Blind
“Blind as a bat” is a really misleading phrase. In actuality, bats have functional eyes with which they can see quite well. Although many species use echolocation to hunt and navigate, especially in dark places, they also rely on their vision, with some even being able to see in ultraviolet light. The myth only endures because of the unique nature of echolocation and misunderstandings surrounding how and why it works.
Einstein Failed Math
The internet might claim Albert Einstein failed math as a mere student, but that’s not true. He actually excelled in mathematics from a very young age. All the confusion probably stemmed from the misinterpretation of the Swiss grading system. Funnily enough, the rumor breathed life back in Einstein’s days, and he even laughed about it, saying, “I never failed in mathematics. Before I was fifteen, I had mastered differential and integral calculus.”
The Internet Is Always Right
Perhaps the most ironic myth constantly repeated by the internet is that if something is on the internet, it must be true. The truth is that the internet is full of misinformation, outdated studies, and complete hoaxes. Make sure to always double-check sources you find on the internet, avoiding viral claims or not taking them at face value, and seeking expert consensus after you’ve found a fact you’d like to use. In the digital age, critical thinking has become one of, if not the most important skill.
