Didn’t your parents tell you that you shouldn’t believe everything you read online? It’s ironic how many people now take internet “facts” at face value. While the internet is a great resource, it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation. Let’s debunk some persistent myths that the internet just can’t seem to let go of. Prepare to have your beliefs challenged!
1. Sleepy Time Dart Guns
Imagine a dart gun that instantly puts kids to sleep. Sounds like a dream for tired parents, right? The rumor claims the FDA approved such a device. As tempting as it sounds, this is completely false. No such dart gun exists, and the FDA would never approve something like that. Sorry, overtired parents, you’ll have to stick to bedtime stories!
2. Cremated Morgue Worker
A disturbing story circulated in 2017 about a morgue worker in Texas who fell asleep on the job and was mistakenly cremated. The “World Daily News Report” published this gruesome tale, claiming his colleagues mistook him for a corpse. Horrifying, right? Thankfully, it’s completely untrue. Fact-checkers debunked the story, labeling the source unreliable. The lesson? Don’t believe everything you read, and definitely don’t nap in the crematorium!
3. Immortal Twinkies
The internet loves to claim that Twinkies last forever, some even suggesting they could survive a nuclear apocalypse. While these treats seem indestructible, the truth is far less exciting. Twinkies have a shelf life of only 25 days. So, much for the eternal snack! Enjoy them while they’re fresh, and don’t count on them to survive a nuclear blast.
4. Rejecting a Rejection
In 2015, a Tumblr post told the tale of a high school senior named Siobhan O’Dell who supposedly rejected Duke University’s rejection letter. The story escalated with Duke allegedly rejecting her rejection. Sounds funny, but it never happened. The entire story was fabricated. It’s a humorous idea, but alas, just a figment of someone’s imagination.
5. The Truth About Chocolate Milk
Why is chocolate milk brown? Some people believe it contains cow’s blood or comes exclusively from brown cows. The real answer is far simpler: chocolate milk is made from regular cow’s milk combined with chocolate. Seems obvious, right? Yet, the internet continues to spread these bizarre theories. Rest assured, your chocolate milk is blood-free and doesn’t require brown cows!
6. Flu Shot Myths
Many believe the flu shot gives you the flu. This myth has been around for ages, despite the CDC’s efforts to debunk it. The flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that prepares your immune system to fight the actual flu. It can’t give you the flu! You might experience mild symptoms as your body gears up, but that’s a normal response. So, get your shot and stay protected!
7. HIV-Infected Chocolate
A disturbing rumor claimed a Cadbury employee added HIV-infected blood to the company’s chocolates. The story alleged the employee intended to infect millions. This claim is completely false. No Cadbury employee was ever arrested for such a crime, and there’s no evidence to support it. Enjoy your Cadbury treats without fear!
8. Root Canals and Cancer
Thinking of getting a root canal? Some online rumors claim they cause terminal cancer, but thankfully, this is completely false. There’s no connection between root canals and an increased risk of cancer. Taking care of your teeth actually leads to better health outcomes overall. So, don’t let this unfounded rumor scare you away from necessary dental care.
9. Spider Bouffant
An urban legend tells of a woman in the 1950s with a huge bouffant hairstyle who refused to wash it. According to the story, a spider took up residence in her hair, eventually biting her and causing a fatal reaction. This story is entirely phony. There’s no record of any such incident. So, keep your hair clean, but don’t worry about deadly spider infestations!
10. Spider Gum
Remember Bubble Yum? A disturbing rumor claimed it was made of spider eggs, legs, or webs. The company spent over $100,000 battling this false claim. Despite their efforts, the rumor persisted, fueled by the internet. Rest assured, Bubble Yum doesn’t contain spiders! Enjoy your gum without any creepy crawly thoughts.
The internet is full of information, but not all of it is true. It’s crucial to verify information before believing and sharing it. These ten myths are just the tip of the iceberg. Always be skeptical, do your research, and help stop the spread of misinformation!
What other internet myths have you heard? Leave your comment below!
