33 Things Everyone Accepts As Fact That Have Actually Been Proven Wrong

The netizen who asked the question sought answers to debunked myths, and quite a lot of these are a result of scientific development. Take the fingernail growth post-mortem fact. This myth actually originated in the 17th and 18th centuries, and even contributed to vampire panics in Eastern Europe. However, through scientific research, we now know that simple dehydration causes the skin to... well, shrink.

It goes to show that many of these myths stem from folkloric beliefs, much like my grandma and her oranges. Studies indicate that these previously believed facts are actually the work of people trying to explain the world's origins and natural phenomena. They can last decades and even centuries, and it honestly shows that word of mouth is still the best marketing technique.

Surprisingly enough, though, you might expect people to easily accept that discovery happens, and that these facts may turn out not to be real anymore. However, people will often have a hard time when presented with lifelong beliefs they've always held, especially if these are taught by adults they trust, like teachers or even their parents.

And there is actually a psychological explanation to this — no, it isn't just being stubborn, though sometimes it may be. So, psychologists say that childhood conditioning is the concept that ideas from authority figures are often "sticky," and that even if we logically reject them as adults, there will always be a lingering question.

There’s also a cold, hard fact to keep in mind: humans rely on cognitive ease. This means that studies generally show our brains prefer simple, memorable explanations over complex ones. It's far easier to accept easier ideas, even if they come from proverbs or old beliefs, than it is to grapple with scientific explanations.

As so many of these beliefs date back centuries, it's easier to understand how they might have traveled through time, if you will. Take yawning, for instance. For centuries, it was believed that it was due to being tired. Then, in the 20th century, came the theory that it was the oxygen supply. Now, science says it is likely tied to neurological thermoregulation, or cooling down of the grey mass.

Back in the day, it was fairly easy for these myths to run rampant. People would talk and share their beliefs, and eventually those beliefs would be published in magazines and newspapers that everyone read. That's normal information transmission, right? But nowadays, we're seeing a whole different phenomenon coming from the little machines in our back pockets: social media.

The concept of “fake news” isn’t new, but misinformation is now more accessible than ever. Videos about myths or beliefs can go viral, reaching thousands, if not millions, of people. Research shows that social media platforms are among the largest sources of misinformation today. As a result, even myths we know are false continue to spread regardless.

Now, it's up to you and everyone else to determine what you want to believe. But in this case, I believe it may be appropriate to remember that "against facts there are no arguments." So when your mom tells you not to shave because hair grows thicker, or that the crab being boiled alive for dinner doesn't feel pain, remember to show them what's actually real.

I've shared my oranges "fact," which is actually nothing but some old folks' delusional take (seriously, where did that come from?), but what other myths can you share with us that have actually long been debunked? Did any of these actually surprise you? Let us know below.