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.

Your Vote Doesn’t Count myth

It is a myth that your vote doesn't count. Despite the electoral college electing the President directly, every vote counts. It just counts in complex ways that differ by election, state, and region.

The Hundred Years’ War Lasted a Hundred Years myth

The Hundred Years' War lasted from 1337 to 1453, 116 years. The Second Hundred Years' War lasted from 1688–1815, 137 years.

Running Causes Knee Arthritis myth

Runners are actually at a lower risk for arthritis than non-runners. Obesity and repetitive kneeling or squatting increase the risk arthritis in knees.

America is a Christian Nation myth

America is not "a Christian nation" in terms of having a national religion. Despite a majority of Americans being Christian, the Bill of Rights ensures religious liberty for all.

Computers Slow Down with Age myth

Computers don't slow down over time. CPU and Memory intense programs and "disk fragmentation" can cause slowdown, but the age of the hardware won't.

Information Can Escape from a Black Hole myth

The Black Hole Information Paradox suggests information can't escape a black hole intact. While new theories show information may be able to escape, it hasn't been proven as of 2016.

Memories are Stored in a Single Part of the Brain myth

Memories aren't stored in a single part of the brain. Memories are stored in neurons located in different parts of the brain, recalled using other parts, and connected to even more parts via synaptic pathways.

Everything That’s True Can Be Proven myth

Everything is either true or not true, but not everything that is true can be proven true, and not everything false can be proven false.

Psychedelic Experiences are Illusions myth

Studies show that psychedelic experiences (complex hallucinations often associated with LSD) aren't "illusions" (tricks of the drug) but are rather the result of many areas of the brain communicating at once.

Tryptophan in Turkey Makes you Sleepy myth

Tryptophan in turkey has a relaxing effect and contributes to sleepiness, but it is overeating and related chemical effects that make you sleepy on Thanksgiving.