MISCONCEPTIONS

An Amish family gathers for a meal around their kitchen table.

8 Misconceptions About the Amish

You might not realize that the Amish sometimes drive in cars and operate power tools.

There was something for every type of reader on MentalFloss.com in 2023.

Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2023

Once again, Mental Floss readers proved to be curious about all sorts of niche topics—and our editors and writers were happy to oblige their interests.

There’s hope for your New Year’s resolution past January.

1 Misconception About 9 Major Holidays

We celebrate the same holidays every year, but how much do we actually know about these annual traditions? And how much of what we think we know is actually true?

Think a human always has 206 bones? Think again.

4 Big Misconceptions About the Human Body

Considering how familiar we all are with the human body—since we all have one—there is a surprising number of enduring myths about it.

The massive megafauna of the Ice Age / Getty / VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SPL

Misconceptions About the Ice Age

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd thaws out a few myths about the ice age, from the idea that Earth was once frozen solid to what actually caused the mammoths’ extinction.

Good ol' Depression-era fun. / Hulton Deutsch via Getty

Misconceptions About the Great Depression

The Great Depression was caused by the 1929 stock market crash and plunged the entire country into poverty … right? Maybe not.

A detail of the Chi Rho monogram in the Book of Kells, a priceless illustrated manuscript from the Middle Ages.

5 Misconceptions About the Middle Ages

The medieval era wasn’t just a bunch of flat Earthers feasting and jousting.

*Insert Jaws theme here* / Alexyz3d via Shutterstock

Wild Misconceptions About Sharks

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd debunks some myths about these great beasts of the ocean, from whether punching them in the nose is a valid defense tactic to the events that inspired 'Jaws.'

Should she drink about seven more of those?

5 Misconceptions about Health and Wellness

How much water should you really drink a day? Well, it’s complicated.

6 Misconceptions About the Roman Empire

Did Julius Caesar really say “Et tu, Brute?” Did Nero fiddle while Rome burned? What was with the togas? We answer these questions and more.

6 Misconceptions About the ’90s

We debunk myths from the last decade of the 20th century, from fraudulent Furby fears to some misinformation around the era’s most famous trial.

10 Misconceptions About Serial Killers

How smart do you really need to be to get away with murder?

8 Misconceptions About Japan

Not all Japanese game shows feature life-threatening challenges, and not all ramen lovers slurp loudly. Let's debunk a few more misconceptions about Japan.

There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding social media.

7 Misconceptions About Social Media

In the latest episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd debunks some commonly held beliefs about social media, from who owns what you post to what happens to your data.

4 Big Misconceptions About Spies

No, spies aren't all focused on national security. Yes, the CIA did deploy a mission called Operation Acoustic Kitty.

Nope, Rhode Island is definitely not part of New York.

1 Misconception About Each of the 50 States (and D.C.)

We debunk one myth about each state in the U.S., from the Rocky Mountain not-so-high of Colorado to New Mexico. That’s right, New Mexico.

Cults are a popular topic for true-crime TV.

6 Misconceptions About Cults

Not every cult is a commune-based religious organization run by a charismatic man.

Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran rocks a mull—er, bi-level haircut.

7 Misconceptions About the ‘80s

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or merely have absorbed some details via 'Stranger Things,' take a look at some of the myths surrounding the "me decade."

Don't worry, this really is the Japanese flag.

Misconceptions About Japan

In the minds of many people in the West, Japan is a crowded, tech-obsessed country with unfamiliar habits and unhinged game shows. But how much do those perceptions align with reality?

Did Thomas Jefferson really bring ice cream to the U.S.?

1 Misconception About Each U.S. President

George Washington wasn’t the only U.S. president for whom a healthy dose of fiction gets mixed in with the facts.

Misconceptions About Prison

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd sheds some light on the prison system.

Jesus probably wasn't born on December 25.

10 Misconceptions About Holidays

'Tis the season to bust some myths about our favorite holiday celebrations, from the origins of the Hanukkah dreidel to Jesus's real birthday.

ADHD can’t be diagnosed from a stock photo.

Misconceptions About ADHD

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the more misunderstood mental health conditions in popular culture.

7 Common Misconceptions About Drugs

Do bath salts turn you into a cannibal? Can caffeine actually sober you up? We debunk a few misconceptions about drugs.

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