Wait WHAT? 15 Ridiculous Myths People Still Believe
Join us on a wild ride through some of the most bizarre myths people still swear by, according to Reddit. From the dangers of swallowed gum to misunderstood feline folklore, the Internet has served up some truly mind-boggling beliefs. Buckle up, and prepare for a healthy dose of reality as we debunk these popular myths, one Reddit user at a time!
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The internet is full of tales, truths, and, of course, myths that seem to linger no matter what. Some of these myths are spooky, some are downright silly, and others just make you scratch your head. Ready to sift through some of the most persistent myths out there? Check out our list and see which ones you might have heard before!
Swimming After Eating
Many of us grew up hearing that swimming right after eating would lead to severe cramps and potential drowning. While it’s possible to feel sluggish or get a minor stitch, there’s no significant risk associated with a post-meal swim.
Gravity and Pennies
Fear not, urban dwellers! The myth that a penny dropped from a skyscraper could become a lethal projectile has been circulating for years. In reality, the terminal velocity of a penny – its maximum speed – isn’t sufficient to cause more than a minor annoyance. So, the next time you’re atop a towering skyscraper, save your pennies for a wishing well instead.
Black Belts: Registering Fists as Deadly Weapons?
The myth that black belts need to register their fists as weapons is straight out of a martial arts movie. As cool as it sounds, it’s just not true. Even though black belts signify advanced skill in martial arts, there are no regulations that classify hands as dangerous weapons.
Lightning’s Strike: Twice or Not?
The saying goes, “Lightning never strikes the same place twice.” However, Mother Nature seems to have a different idea. Lightning can, and often does, hit the same spot repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointed, isolated object.
The Sinister Consequence of Knuckle-Cracking
Can cracking your knuckles render your hands useless over time? The simple act of popping your knuckles doesn’t lead to arthritis or hand problems, despite the disapproving looks you might receive from grandma.
Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Spiders Bite
The myth that you eat spiders in your sleep makes your skin crawl. Rest easy, because this is largely a web of lies. Spiders generally avoid humans, and the chance of a spider crawling into your mouth while you sleep is incredibly slim.
Thicker Hair Through Shaving?
The myth many of us have probably heard from a well-meaning friend or family member is that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker. The reality? Shaving only removes the part of the hair above the skin’s surface and doesn’t affect the actual hair follicle. So, no, shaving doesn’t make your hair thicker – just stubblier.
The Long Journey of Gum Through Your System
The myth that gum takes seven years to pass through your digestive system is widely believed. In reality, while gum isn’t digestible, it doesn’t stick around for years. It simply passes through the system and, ahem, leaves the usual way.
The Brainy Myth: We Only Use 10%?
The long-standing myth that humans only use 10% of their brain is widely circulated. In reality, even though not all brain regions are active at all times, over the course of a day, just about every part of our brain gets a workout.
Carrots: Night Vision Snack?
Can munching on carrots help you see in the dark? This myth has been popular since World War II. While carrots do contain Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, they aren’t going to grant you any nocturnal superpowers.
The Feline Fallacy: Black Cats and Evil
The myth that black cats are somehow evil or bring bad luck has been haunting black cats for centuries. Black cats, like any other cats, are simply adorable and loving companions.
Halloween Horrors: Candy Myths
The perennial Halloween scare is the myth that candy is commonly laced with harmful substances or objects. In reality, these instances are extremely rare, and the vast majority of Halloween treats are perfectly safe.
The Color of Blood: Blue or Red?
Contrary to what some people believe, blood is not blue inside the body. Our blood is always red due to the presence of hemoglobin, although the shade of red can vary depending on its oxygen content.
The MSG Misconception
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, has long been vilified as an unhealthy food additive. Numerous studies have found no definitive evidence of MSG causing harm to most people. So, you might just be able to enjoy that extra flavor without the guilt.
The Moon Landing Myth
Despite overwhelming evidence, some still believe that the Moon landing was faked. The Moon landing was a monumental achievement for mankind, not a Hollywood production.
Food and Fertility: An Unexpected Connection?
The myth that certain foods can influence the sex of your unborn child or whether you’ll have multiples is widely believed. Unfortunately, the science doesn’t support this tasty theory. Twin, triplet, or boy-or-girl outcomes are determined by genetics and chance, not your dinner menu.
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