In today’s world, technology is everywhere, but so are the myths surrounding it. From protecting your computer to improving performance, there’s no shortage of advice—much of which is flat-out wrong. Here are five of the most common tech myths that many people still believe and the truth behind them.
1. Myth: You should always safely remove USB drives
We’ve all seen the warning: “Safely remove your device.” It’s drilled into us that pulling out a USB drive without ejecting it first will corrupt your data. But is it really that risky?
The truth: Modern operating systems are designed to handle quick removal, and data corruption is rare if you’re not actively transferring files. As long as the drive’s indicator light isn’t flashing, you’re generally safe to unplug. However, ejecting is still a good habit for peace of mind—especially with older drives.
2. Myth: More bars mean better cell service
When you look at your phone and see five bars, you probably think, “Great signal!” But does that mean you’ll have a better call or faster internet?
The truth: Those bars measure your connection to the nearest tower, not the actual network speed. Factors like network congestion and your distance from the tower affect performance. Even with five bars, you can experience dropped calls or slow data if the network is overloaded.
3. Myth: Macs can’t get viruses
Apple users often tout the security of their devices, claiming that Macs are immune to viruses. This belief has led many Mac users to skip antivirus software altogether.
The truth: While Macs are less targeted than Windows PCs, they’re not invincible. Cybercriminals create malware specifically for Macs, and as Apple’s market share grows, so does the risk. Using antivirus software and practicing good digital hygiene is essential, no matter your device.
4. Myth: Clearing your browser history speeds up your computer
Feeling like your computer is running slow? Some people swear that clearing your browser history will give your device a performance boost. But is that really the fix?
The truth: Clearing your browser history won’t make your computer faster. What might help is clearing your browser’s cache or disabling unnecessary extensions. If your computer is still slow, the issue is likely elsewhere—like insufficient memory or outdated hardware.
5. Myth: Charging your phone overnight will damage the battery.
This is one of the most persistent myths in tech. Many people believe that leaving your phone plugged in overnight will overcharge the battery and reduce its lifespan. (And this is a myth that the doc believed for many years!)
The truth: Modern smartphones are designed to stop charging once they hit 100%. While keeping your phone plugged in for long periods can generate heat (which can affect the battery), it’s not the overnight charging itself that causes damage. Using a high-quality charger and ensuring your phone doesn’t overheat are more important.
Why these myths persist
Tech myths stick around because they’re often based on outdated information or partial truths. As technology evolves, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about how we use our devices.
The takeaway
Don’t believe everything you hear about technology! Understanding the truth behind these myths can save you time, money and frustration.
Have a tech question or myth you’d like debunked? Reach out to us, and we might feature it in our next column! Until next time: stay safe out there! Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
