Mark Twain once said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” You know, those ideas that persist stubbornly in our minds despite being as wrong as a two-dollar bill (which, by the way, is real money and not fake as some believe!). Let’s see how many of these 15 eyebrow-raisers you’ve heard before!
Shaving Makes Your Hair Grow Back Thicker
The American Academy of Dermatology assures us that shaving doesn’t affect the thickness or rate of hair growth. The blunt cut shaving causes might make the hair appear thicker for a short time, but it doesn’t change the actual growth or texture of your hair.
You Have To Wait 48 Hours to File a Missing Person’s Report
Plot twist: you don’t. This misinformation has been repeated by Hollywood’s crime shows. In reality, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, urge you to report a missing person as soon as you realize they’re missing, especially if they’re a child. The initial hours following a person’s disappearance are critical.
Lie Detectors, in the Literal Sense
According to the American Psychological Association, there’s no evidence a polygraph test is more accurate than a coin flip. They measure physiological responses like heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating, which can spike due to stress or nervousness, not just dishonesty. Plus, individuals can be trained to beat the system.
Climate Change Is Fake News
According to a Yale Program on Climate Change Communication study, about 7% of Americans, that’s nearly 23 million people, still think this whole global warming thing is a sham. This, despite increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent and severe weather events, is all part of the vast body of evidence pointing to climate change.
Sugar Rush Is a Thing
Multiple studies, including a meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found no evidence of sugar impacting children’s behavior or cognitive function. The supposed ‘sugar rush’ is more psychological than physiological, often a result of the exciting circumstances surrounding sweets, like parties or holidays. Or maybe it’s just kids being kids!
Being Gay Is a Choice
The American Psychological Association, for instance, states quite clearly that “most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.” So, no, your cousin’s friend’s nephew didn’t ‘choose’ to be gay any more than he chose his eye color.
Eating Carrots Gives You Impeccable Night Vision
The myth likely stems from World War II propaganda when British intelligence spread the rumor to cover up their use of radar technology. Sure, carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which supports eye health, but no amount of them will have you seeing in the dark. Studies show that while vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, consuming excess amounts does not improve night vision.
Humans Aren’t the Product of Evolution
As per a 2019 Gallup poll, 40% of Americans still hold this belief. It’s as if we’ve collectively decided to ignore the fossil record, DNA evidence, and the fact that we share approximately 98.7% of our DNA with chimpanzees. Now that’s an uncomfortable family reunion!
Majority of Internet Users Are American
As of October 2021, research from Statista shows that Asia holds the lion’s share of internet users, at a whopping 50.7%. Europe trails behind at 15.9%, and then we finally meet the Americans, who constitute just 8.4% of the global internet populace.
America Is the Greatest Country on Earth
While it’s true that the U.S. ranks as one of the world’s strongest economic powers, it’s important to remember that greatness is subjective. In terms of health care quality, for example, the U.S. lags behind many other developed countries and ranks 37th, according to the World Health Organization. Educationally, the U.S. trails behind in 14th place, as reported by the OECD.
MSG Is Dangerous
Often demonized as a ‘dangerous additive’, MSG is simply the sodium salt of a common amino acid, glutamic acid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that’s ‘generally recognized as safe’, which is the same rating given to everyday items like sugar and baking powder.
Vaccines Cause Autism
Despite countless studies, including a massive one from Denmark involving more than 650,000 children, which conclusively show no link between autism and vaccines, this stubborn myth persists. In fact, the misconception dates back to a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which was later exposed as fraudulent and led to Wakefield losing his medical license.
The Earth is Flat
Contrary to the beliefs of an alarmingly vast number of American adults, the Earth is not a flat disc floating in space but a spheroid. This is supported by substantial scientific evidence, from how gravity works to the round shadow Earth casts during a lunar eclipse. Yet, a 2018 YouGov survey found that 2% of Americans insist that the Earth is flat. That’s around 6.5 million people.
The Moon Landing Was a Hoax
This one’s been around since Apollo 11 touched down on the moon in 1969. Despite thousands of hours of footage, photos, rocks brought back, and testimony from astronauts, a stubborn 5% of the American population refuses to believe their own eyes, according to a 2019 poll.
Black Belts Have to Register Their Fists as Weapons
This myth likely sprang from some Bruce Lee movies and has been circulating for years. However, the truth is that no United States law (federal, state, or local) requires black belts to register their fists. So, no, your neighbor with the black belt in Taekwondo isn’t legally a walking weapon of mass destruction.
The 12 Dumbest Mistakes (Almost) All Americans Make on The Internet
Welcome, dear internet surfers, to the fascinating world of digital blunders! Have you ever clicked on a too-good-to-be-true deal or happily shared your email for a “free” holiday? Then you, my friend, are part of the exclusive club of those who’ve committed the 12 dumbest mistakes on the internet (yep, spoiler alert: almost all Americans are members!).
The 12 Dumbest Mistakes (Almost) All Americans Make on The Internet
15 Beliefs That Were Once True, But Not Anymore! Do You Remember?
In the past, we’ve all held some beliefs that had us uttering a collective “Oh, really?” with a raised eyebrow. From the stork’s role in the baby delivery process to our steadfast conviction that swallowing gum would set us up for a seven-year digestive journey, these notions had us completely bamboozled. Here are giggle-inducing beliefs that were once true but are not any more!
15 Beliefs That Were Once True, But Not Anymore! Do You Remember?
10 Facts That Sound Completely Ridiculous but Are Actually True
Some facts are so absurd they leave you wondering if it’s a scam. However, they’re actually true. Here are ten points shared by an online community that are so absurd sounding you’ll question your reality.
10 Facts That Sound Completely Ridiculous but Are Actually True
25 Dumbest Things Americans Have Actually Said On The Internet
Ah, the Internet! The grand stage where everyone’s invited to dance, share, laugh, and sometimes, make the audience chuckle with some unexpectedly amusing missteps! Let’s embark on a jolly journey through 25 instances where our fellow Americans have left the virtual crowd in stitches with their endearing naivety and hilariously uncanny observations.
25 Dumbest Things Americans Have Actually Said On The Internet
10 Dumbest Things People Are Spending Their Money on Today
Consumerism is out of control with no signs of slowing down. In 2023, it’s easier than ever to spend your hard-earned money recklessly. However, spending your money on some things is more dumb than others. Recently, people met in an online discussion to reveal the stupidest things they spend their money on.
10 Dumbest Things People Are Spending Their Money on Today
