Alright, so here we are in the age of AI, quantum computing, and virtual reality — yet somehow, myths about technology still cling on like gum under a desk. You’ve probably heard at least a few of these tech tales, and maybe you’re even guilty of believing one or two (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). Let’s bust some of the biggest myths about tech that, for whatever reason, just won’t quit.
1. “More Bars = Better Signal”
If you’re staring at your phone with full bars thinking you’re set for flawless connection, think again. The bars only show signal strength to the tower, not actual network quality. High bars don’t mean you’ll have blazing speed — especially if everyone around you is also on their phones, clogging up the network.
2. “The Internet is in the Cloud”
Ah, the mystical “cloud.” Hate to break it to you, but the cloud is just a bunch of servers — real, tangible servers — in data centres across the globe. Your files are saved on a physical server that somebody can probably touch (but won’t because of strict security).
3. “Charging Overnight Will Kill Your Battery”
Alright, this one has some roots in truth but is way overblown now. Most modern phones have “trickle charge” technology that slows charging to protect the battery once it’s at 100%. So, yes, charging overnight isn’t the best practice long-term, but it’s not going to kill your phone in a few months.
4. “Incognito Mode Hides Everything”
Sorry, but incognito mode isn’t the cloak of invisibility people think it is. All it does is stop your browser from saving history and cookies. Your ISP, your employer, and many websites can still see where you’ve been. If you want real anonymity, you’ll need a VPN.
5. “Macs Don’t Get Viruses”
This myth has been around forever, and while Macs used to be less of a target, they’re definitely not immune. Malware, adware, and phishing scams are fair game on Macs too. So if you’ve been going easy on the antivirus, maybe give it another thought.
6. “More Megapixels = Better Camera”
Everyone thinks a 48-megapixel camera will give them shots like a pro, but megapixels only tell part of the story. Sensor quality, lens type, and processing software play huge roles in image quality. So, megapixels alone don’t guarantee stunning shots.
7. “You Can Stop Spam by Clicking ‘Unsubscribe’”
Clicking “unsubscribe” sounds easy, right? Problem is, doing so can confirm to spammers that your email is active, meaning you’ll likely get even more junk mail. Be careful about which emails you interact with; sometimes it’s better to just mark as spam.
8. “Private Browsing = Total Privacy”
This is a close cousin to incognito mode, but let’s be clear: private browsing only hides activity from others on your device, not from your ISP, government, or online trackers. So, if you’re up to anything sensitive, don’t think private browsing is a magical shield.
9. “More RAM Will Make Your Computer Faster”
Only partly true. RAM helps if your system doesn’t have enough, but once you have what you need, adding more won’t make your computer any faster. Performance also depends on your processor, SSD, and how you use the machine.
10. “Closing Apps Saves Battery”
Swiping up to close all your apps might feel productive, but it doesn’t save battery on most modern phones. In fact, reopening apps takes more power than letting them run in the background. Battery life comes down to screen brightness, signal strength, and background data usage.
References
- Miller, C. (2021). Myth-Busting Modern Technology: What We Still Get Wrong. Tech Press.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (2022). “Mobile Battery and Signal Myths.” NIST Publications.
- Cybersecurity Magazine. (2020). “Incognito Mode: Myths vs. Reality.” CyberSec.
- Digital Photography World. (2023). “Megapixels vs. Camera Quality: Understanding the Difference.”