Psychology influences our everyday lives, yet it’s filled with myths and misconceptions that are hard to shake. We often hear things that sound true, but once we dig deeper, we realize they’re just psychology myths.
In this article, I’ll take you through some of the most common myths, explain what’s actually going on, and share some stories and tips along the way to help you see things differently.
Common Psychology Myths: We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
How many times have you heard the claim that humans only use 10% of their brains? It’s one of the most common psychology myths out there.
Here’s a fun story: Think back to Lucy, the movie where Scarlett Johansson unlocks the full potential of her brain and becomes this unstoppable force. It’s a cool idea, right? But, in reality, that’s just a plot for a movie, not science.
The truth? We use much more of our brains than that. In fact, brain scans show that nearly all parts of our brain are active at different times, even when we’re at rest (Harvard Health).
What you can do:
- Next time you hear this myth, just know it’s not true.
- If you want to dive deeper into how your brain works, check out this article from Scientific American.
Pop Psychology Myths: Opposites Attract
“Opposites attract” is something we’ve all heard, and it’s often said to explain why two people are so different but still seem to make it work.
Here’s a little personal story: Jake and Maya, for example, were total opposites. Jake loved staying in, reading books, and keeping to himself. Maya, on the other hand, was the life of the party. At first, it seemed like they’d balance each other out perfectly. But soon, their differences turned into a series of misunderstandings and arguments.
What’s really going on?
The truth is that relationships thrive on similarity—shared values, goals, and interests. Sure, some differences are exciting, but the big stuff, like how you view life, needs to match for a strong connection (APA).
How to make your relationships better:
- Focus on common values and goals.
- It’s okay to have differences, but try to see how they play out over time.
Pop Psychology Myths: Listening to Mozart Makes You Smarter
This myth has been around for a while: Listening to Mozart, or classical music in general, will somehow make you smarter. It’s known as the “Mozart Effect.”
A funny anecdote: Lisa, a friend of mine, played Mozart on repeat before exams, convinced it would help her ace them. Spoiler alert: It didn’t magically improve her grades.
What’s the truth?
The Mozart Effect may give a little boost in short-term tasks like improving spatial reasoning, but it doesn’t increase your IQ for the long haul
What you should do instead:
- If you like classical music, listen to it for fun or to relax.
- Pair your music with study techniques that actually work, like active recall.
Common Psychology Myths: Lie Detectors Are Always Accurate
Lie detectors, or polygraph tests, are often thought of as totally reliable, but that’s not the case.
Let me tell you about Alex: He went into a polygraph test thinking it would prove his innocence, but the results came back showing deception. Why? Because he was nervous.
What you need to know: Polygraphs measure things like heart rate and sweating, which can be influenced by anxiety, not lies themselves. So, they’re not foolproof
How to think about lie detectors:
- Understand that a polygraph can be inaccurate.
- Look for additional proof when dealing with important situations.
Pop Psychology Myths: Happiness Depends on External Things
We often hear that happiness comes from external things—like a fancy job, the right partner, or a bigger house. But that’s one of those pop psychology myths we need to leave behind.
A personal story here: Mike thought getting a high-paying job would solve all his problems. He got the job, but guess what? He still felt empty. Money didn’t make him happy.
Here’s the truth: Studies show that internal factors—like our attitude and mindset—are what really determine happiness (Psychology Today).
What you can do to feel happier:
- Start practicing gratitude daily.
- Set personal goals that align with your values.
- Take time to reflect on what truly brings you joy.
Myths About Psychological Disorders: Hypnosis Equals Mind Control
There’s this idea that hypnosis can make you do things against your will. This is one of the myths about psychological disorders that’s often seen in movies and TV shows.
Let’s take Sarah’s experience: She was nervous about hypnotherapy because she thought she’d be “under someone’s control.” But once she tried it, she found that it actually gave her a sense of empowerment.
What’s the reality?
Hypnosis doesn’t give someone control over your mind. It’s a tool that makes you more open to suggestions, but you’re still in charge of your actions (Mayo Clinic).
How to approach hypnosis:
- Understand it’s a cooperative process between you and the therapist.
- If you’re curious, make sure to find a certified professional who follows ethical practices.
Common Psychology Myths: Multitasking is a Superpower
We’ve all been there—thinking that we’re great at multitasking. But trust me, it’s another one of those common psychology myths.
Story time: Emma used to juggle tasks all day at work, thinking it made her more efficient. But then she started making more mistakes and realized she wasn’t really getting much done.
What’s the truth?
Your brain doesn’t really multitask. It switches between tasks, which can actually make you less productive (Stanford University).
How to boost productivity:
- Focus on one task at a time.
- Schedule blocks of time for each task.
- Try to reduce distractions so you can really concentrate.
Why Understanding Psychology Myths Matters
Understanding and debunking psychology myths can improve your decision-making, help you build stronger relationships, and allow you to better understand yourself and others.
50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: A Must-Have Resource
For a deeper dive into psychology, check out “50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology”. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to get rid of the myths and get the facts straight.
Take Action: Empower Yourself
The more we understand about psychology, the better we can live our lives—both personally and professionally. Equip yourself with the knowledge to debunk the myths and make better decisions.
Embrace the truth behind psychology myths, and use it to make smarter, more informed choices!
