Myths

For our purposes: Myths are commonly held beliefs or ideas that are false. For a claim to be considered a myth one or more parts of it must be proved false. Other definitions of myth, such as those pertaining to the not false-but-allegorical stories we tell to explain things, are discussed on our “what is a myth?” page.

Below is a collection of all factoids rated “myth” (as in “not true or not fully true”) by our authors.  If you disagree or have more evidence to support a claim consider commenting. See our list of facts here.

Humans Only Use a Small Part of Their Brain myth

Evidence suggests that humans use virtually every part of their brain on a daily basis. Some areas function more than others at any given time, but every part of the human brain has a function.

Electronic Cigarettes are Safer Than Regular Cigarettes myth

Studies have shown that both vaping and smoking tobacco are harmful. There is no conclusive evidence that shows that electronic cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes.

Galileo Invented the Telescope myth

The telescope is credited to Hans Lippershey in 1608. The following year Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei began making improvements to its design.

Ada Lovelace Wrote the First Computer Program myth

British mathematician Ada Lovelace can be considered the mother of computer programing, as she wrote the first complex algorithm meant to be carried out by a machine. However, it is a myth that Ada Lovelace wrote "the first computer program" or was "the first computer programmer", that title belongs to…

Foods Can Have Negative Calories myth

There is no negative calorie food. Not even low calorie or fibrous fruits and vegetables burn more calories than they contain, but some drinks can.

Virtual Reality is a New Technology myth

Neither Virtual Reality (VR), nor Augmented Reality (AR), nor the peripherals used (like the DataGlove or headsets) are new technologies.

Napoleon Was Short myth

Napoleon wasn't short, he was 5 ft. 2 in tall by French measurement at the time of his death, which equates to about 5 ft. 6 in by British measurement.

Apple Macs Can’t Get Viruses or Malware myth

Apple Macintosh computers (Macs) are vulnerable to malware, including viruses, but infection is less common then on Microsoft Windows computers.

A U.S. Submarine Day is 18 hours long, Not 24 myth

At sea, a typical U.S. submarine day is 18 hours long, not 24. Crews are separated into 3 different watch sections with 6 hours on watch and 12 off.

Zelda is the Main Playable Character in The Legend of Zelda myth

The main playable character in the Legend of Zelda franchise is a boy named Link who often attempts to save the title character a girl named Princess Zelda.