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You’d think with Google at our fingertips, we’d stop believing nonsense – yet here we are in 2025, and millions still think we only use 10% of our brains. But such myths aren’t harmless fun facts – they can really affect how we make decisions every day.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults found something wild: 40% couldn’t even remember where they heard these fake facts, but 49% had already spread them to others. Well, that’s how myths survive in the information age – so, let’s bust some of the biggest ones that just won’t die.
1. We Actually Use Our Entire Brain, Not Just 10%
This myth refuses to die… and self-help gurus love it because it sells books. Hollywood loves it because it makes great movies (such as Lucy with Scarlett Johansson) – but it’s a complete lie.
Neurologist Barry Gordon from Johns Hopkins put it simply: we use virtually every part of our brain, and most of it stays active almost all the time. Brain scans prove this – when you make a fist, you’re using way more than 10% of your brain. When you sleep, your brain is still firing on multiple cylinders – and even the most basic tasks light up huge portions of neural tissue.
The myth probably sticks around because people want to believe they have untapped superpowers. Sorry, but you’re already using all the hardware you’ve got. The trick is learning to use it better, not “unlocking” some dormant section.
2. Casinos Don’t Pump Oxygen to Keep You Gambling
This conspiracy theory has serious staying power – the story goes that casinos pump extra oxygen through the vents to keep you alert and gambling. Some versions even claim they add pheromones to make you bet more aggressively. Sounds clever, right?
But here’s why it’s nonsense: first, medical-grade oxygen costs a fortune – casinos would need to run oxygen factories on-site. Second, and more importantly, oxygen is basically rocket fuel for fires. So, pumping extra O2 into a building full of people would be insanely dangerous and very illegal.
In Las Vegas, Gaming Commission officials actually test casino air quality regularly. So, they check that oxygen levels stay within normal, safe limits. The truth about casino psychology is less exotic but more interesting.
According to expert advice from casino specialist Wilna van Wyk, who’s spent years analysing and ranking the best online casino options, real casinos use proven psychological tactics – they let you claim bigger bonuses and play more games. No oxygen required – just smart design that keeps people engaged for long time.
3. Five-Second Rule Is a Five-Second Lie
We’ve all done it – cookie hits the floor, quick grab, “five-second rule!” But Rutgers University researchers have bad news: bacteria contaminate food the instant it touches the ground.
But the real question is: how wet the food is. Watermelon picks up more bacteria in one second than a cracker would in five. The surface is also important – your kitchen floor might transfer different bacteria than a hospital floor, but neither is safe for eating off of.
The researchers found that the myth persists because we want it to be true. Nobody likes wasting food… but those bacteria don’t check their watches before jumping on your dropped snack.
4. Goldfish Remember Things for Months and Not Just 8 Seconds
Goldfish got a raw deal in the memory department – the three-second memory myth is so wrong it’s almost funny. Studies show goldfish can remember things for at least three months. Well, some research suggests five months or longer.
Scientists have trained goldfish to move through mazes, recognise different shapes, and respond to colored lights for food. So, try doing that with a three-second memory. The myth probably helps people feel better about keeping goldfish in tiny bowls (which is actually cruel for other reasons).
5. Climate Change Isn’t Only Natural Variation
Some people still argue that climate change is just Earth doing its thing. Well, yes, Earth’s climate has changed over 4.5 billion years. But here’s the difference: changes that used to take hundreds of thousands of years are happening in decades.
The numbers are stark, though. We’ve warmed 1.2°C since the 1800s – but the last decade was the hottest ever recorded. Carbon dioxide levels are the highest they’ve been in 2 million years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gathered thousands of scientists from 120 countries, and their conclusion is that 97% agree that humans are pushing the current warming.
6. Bulls Can’t Even See the Colour Red
Every bullfight image shows a red cape, but bulls are red-green colorblind. So, they literally can’t tell red from green, orange, or brown. Scientists tested this with different colored capes. Bulls charge at movement, not colour. Wave a pink towel around and you’ll get the same reaction.
The red cape tradition probably started for practical reasons – red hides bloodstains and looks dramatic for the audience. But the bull only sees something moving and reacts.
The Takeaway
Such myths show how our brains work against us sometimes – we believe what feels right, not what is right. Well, we trust stories from childhood over scientific studies, and once we believe something, we really don’t want to change our minds.
The internet should have killed these myths, but instead, it usually spreads them faster. The good news is that people are getting more sceptical. Only 25% now believe what they read on social media – but these old myths have deep roots.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
