20 Common Myths People Still Believe (Backed by Science)

Some of the things you are most confident about are scientifically wrong.

Not because you’re careless or uninformed — but because the human brain is wired to trust repetition, familiarity, and stories that feel right. Over time, myths become cultural truths, passed along without question.

Science, however, has a habit of quietly dismantling what we think we know.

Here are 20 common myths people still believe today, and what decades of research actually reveal.

1 We Use Only 10% of Our Brain

The myth: Most of the human brain lies dormant.

What science says: Brain imaging studies using MRI and PET scans show that nearly every part of the brain is active, even during rest.

Why it survives: The idea is motivational — it suggests untapped potential.

Reality: Damage to even small brain regions causes measurable deficits.

We use only 10% of our brains

2 Humans Have Only Five Senses

The myth: Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are the only senses.

What science says: Neuroscience identifies more than 20 senses, including balance, proprioception, pain, and internal awareness.

Humans have only 5 senses

3 Sugar Makes Children Hyperactive

The myth: Sugar causes hyperactivity.

What science says: Controlled studies show no causal link between sugar intake and hyperactivity.

What’s really happening: Exciting environments influence behavior.

Sugar makes kids hyperactive is a myth

4 Memory Works Like a Video Recorder

The myth: Memories are exact recordings.

What science says: Memory is reconstructive and changes each time it’s recalled.

5 Cold Weather Causes Colds

The myth: Cold air causes illness.

What science says: Viruses cause colds, not temperature.

Cold weather causes cold is a myth

6 Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis

The myth: Knuckle cracking damages joints.

What science says: Long-term studies show no connection.

7 Multitasking Makes You More Productive

The myth: Multitasking improves efficiency.

What science says: Task switching increases errors and mental fatigue.

Multitasking makes you more productive is a myth

8 Everyone Needs Eight Glasses of Water a Day

The myth: Eight glasses is universal.

What science says: Hydration needs vary by person, climate, and activity.

9 People Are Either Left-Brained or Right-Brained

The myth: Logic and creativity are separate.

What science says: Both hemispheres work together for most tasks.

10 Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

The myth: Lightning avoids repeat locations.

What science says: Tall structures are struck repeatedly.

Lightening never strike the same place twice is a big myth

A Pattern Is Emerging

Many myths survive not because they’re true, but because they sound intuitive. Our brains prefer simple explanations over accurate ones.

11 Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker

The myth: Shaving changes hair structure.

What science says: Shaving does not affect thickness or growth rate.

12 You Lose Most Body Heat Through Your Head

The myth: Most heat escapes from the head.

What science says: Heat loss depends on exposed surface area.

13 Vaccines Cause Autism

The myth: Vaccines are linked to autism.

What science says: Large-scale studies show no connection.

14 Alcohol Warms You Up

The myth: Alcohol increases warmth.

What science says: Alcohol increases heat loss.

15 Eating Before Swimming Causes Cramps

The myth: You must wait before swimming.

What science says: No strong evidence supports this.

16 People Learn Best Through Learning Styles

The myth: Teaching must match learning styles.

What science says: Learning styles show no meaningful advantage.

17 Detox Diets Remove Toxins

The myth: Cleanses detoxify the body.

What science says: The liver and kidneys already detoxify naturally.

18 Humans Swallow Spiders in Their Sleep

The myth: People eat spiders while sleeping.

What science says: No credible evidence supports this.

19 Full Moons Cause Strange Behavior

The myth: Full moons affect behavior.

What science says: Data shows no consistent correlation.

Full moon causes strange behavior

20 Time Speeds Up as You Age

The myth: Time actually moves faster.

What science says: Time perception changes due to memory and routine.

Why Myths Are So Hard to Kill

Myths persist because they feel intuitive, are repeated socially, and reduce uncertainty. The brain prefers coherence over accuracy.

The Final Takeaway

Believing a myth doesn’t mean you lack intelligence — it means you’re human.

Science doesn’t just correct myths. It teaches humility.