15 People Share Common Misconceptions We Should All Stop Repeating
There's an interesting phenomenon out there where if you say something enough, people start to believe it. That's how you end up with common misconceptions everyone believes. If you'd like to avoid being part of the problem, check out this list of common misconceptions to stop repeating, and vote up the worst of the bunch.
- 111 VOTES
Your Depression Will Go Away If You Just Think Happy Thoughts
From Redditor u/D34TH_TR4P:
"If you're depressed just try to think of happy things" or "If you have anxiety try to get creative!" Now, neither of those are given with ill intentions, but happy thoughts [don't] just suddenly make you happy, and [if] you let people with anxiety get creative, their brains will make the worst of that creativity. If you're depressed, you should take up physical activities; they literally make dopamine flow faster and make you happier. If you have anxiety, do something that makes you focus on that thing. Stuff like puzzles or playing video games.
- 29 VOTES
If You Get A Raise You'll Earn Less Money Due To Taxes
From Redditor u/TheLinkToYourZelda:
That if you get a raise, that puts you in a higher tax bracket, [so] you're going to be taking home less money than before. That's NOT how tax brackets work...
- 326 VOTES
Einstein Was Bad At Math In School
From Redditor u/GoatsNotSheep:
That Einstein was a college dropout who was bad at math. Therefore, what's your excuse for not living your dream?
First, he was a genius. Most of us aren't.
Second, he spent nine years studying physics at two universities, ending up with a PhD. (And as for being bad at math, he understood calculus [at age 15.)
Even recently, I saw a TED speaker repeat the myth.
- 422 VOTES
You Should Wait 24 Hours To Report A Missing Person
From Redditor u/seesnawsnappy:
"You should wait 24 hours before reporting a missing person."
If you think someone is missing, report it.
- 520 VOTES
The Great Wall Of China Is The Only Object Made By Humans Visible From Space
From Redditor u/Ok-Advantage4191:
"The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object that can be seen from outer space."
The Great Wall is not really [very] wide. If you could see that from space, you would also be able to see most major US highways.
- 612 VOTES
Searing Meat 'Seals In The Juices'
From Redditor u/DarthGayAgenda:
Searing meat “seals in the juices.”
No, it doesn't. Searing meat (or other foods) causes the Maillard reaction, and gives your food a nice caramelized flavor.
Meat is porous; liquid will leech out during cooking regardless of what you do.