First things first:
- Urban legends spread falsehoods and must be questioned.
- Especially during your studies, it is essential to critically evaluate and research knowledge.
What are Urban Legends?
People love horror stories, bizarre anecdotes and fun facts. These often turn into urban legends, also known as modern myths or sagas. Urban legends are stories or supposed facts that are spread orally, via email/online chat, or through social media, with origins that are usually impossible to trace. They are often minor creepy tales, allegedly involving a “friend of a friend” whose name remains unknown. Sometimes, they gain wider traction and are even featured in mainstream media. This can happen when research findings are falsified or misinterpreted, or when journalists fail to adequately fact-check, leading to the dissemination of incorrect information in newspapers and other outlets. In the age of social media, urban legends can spread like wildfire. Let’s examine three examples to understand how they emerge and the consequences they can have.
The Bubble Tea Myth
The bubble tea trend has made a comeback. But wasn’t this drink supposedly carcinogenic? In 2012, a study from Aachen University of Applied Sciences claimed so, sparking a wave of outrage in the media. Subsequently, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Office for Food Safety tested 84 bubble tea samples, finding no irregularities—a conclusion supported by numerous other tests since. Nevertheless, the myth’s impact was significant: people were unsettled, and bubble tea shops, many of which had only recently opened, vanished almost overnight. It wasn’t until 2021 that this Taiwanese drink regained popularity, driven by social media. Today, the main warning about bubble tea concerns its high sugar content, and the controversial Aachen study is no longer available online. Whether the study was a smear campaign or a research error remains unclear.
The Spider Myth
Spiders are the stuff of nightmares for many people. Unsurprisingly, the idea that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep is particularly repulsive. This myth has persisted for decades. In 1993, Lisa Holst wrote a column for PC Professional magazine about gullibility and how quickly rumors can spread. To prove her point, she published a list of false facts, including the spider myth. Ironically, this myth gained traction through word of mouth and the internet, divorced from its satirical origin. On closer inspection, the myth makes little sense: a sleeping person generates vibrations that would deter spiders rather than attract them. Even if a spider were to wander into someone’s mouth, the natural reaction would be to spit it out, not swallow it.
The Ten-Percent Myth
The human brain is fascinating, and its complexities are hard to grasp. A persistent myth claims that we use only 10% of our brain. Allegedly, even Albert Einstein said this, though no evidence supports such a statement. Some, like Scientology founder Ron Hubbard, have exploited this myth for personal gain—for instance, by claiming Scientology can unlock the other 90% of the brain. In reality, we use much more of our brain—likely 100%. However, different brain areas are activated as needed rather than simultaneously, allowing us to focus on specific tasks. Often, several widely dispersed brain regions work together. Thus, providing an exact percentage of brain activity at any given time is challenging.
What Defines Urban Legends and How to Debunk Them
As the three examples show, some urban legends persist for a long time. Understandably so—(social) media are more likely to report shocking rumors than their rational debunking. The bubble tea myth, for example, had devastating consequences for many people, as bubble tea sellers lost their livelihoods. Similarly, the ten-percent myth can have negative repercussions when it is used to fuel conspiracy theories. In the cases of the bubble tea and spider myths, a single flawed source caused significant upheaval. A false research finding or a satirical column can make waves long after being debunked. While researching urban legends, I found it surprisingly difficult to uncover the “truth” behind them. Many search results present slightly differing information. Therefore, relying on multiple and, most importantly, credible sources is crucial. The next time you hear an especially unbelievable, disgusting, or creepy story—or encounter oversimplified “facts”—take the time to research and find out what’s behind it.
Research in Academia
Comprehensive and accurate research is vital, especially in academia. Relying on a single source is unwise, as it can lead to spreading incomplete or incorrect information. During your studies, you’ll learn to analyze, summarize, and critically evaluate sources and secondary literature. Term papers and theses allow you to demonstrate these skills. It’s essential to support your arguments with sound reasoning and properly cite other texts. Be especially cautious with online sources or studies, verifying their credibility before referencing them. By doing so, your work will contribute to a diverse and current body of research—and avoid becoming the origin of the next urban legend.
When Your “Urban Legend Alarm” Should Be Ringing:
- Incredible, disgusting, or creepy stories
- Odd anecdotes allegedly involving a “friend of a friend” whose identity is unknown
- Shocking “facts” suddenly circulating everywhere online
- Statements attributed to famous individuals—yet no one knows when or where they said them
- Pseudoscientific reports lacking substantial evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we eat spiders in our sleep?
No, the myth that humans swallow spiders in their sleep is false. Spiders are deterred by human vibrations, and no scientific evidence supports this claim.
Is bubble tea carcinogenic?
No, recent investigations have found no evidence of carcinogens in bubble tea. This myth originated from a flawed study later debunked.
How do urban legends arise?
Urban legends often stem from incorrect information, exaggerated rumors, or misunderstandings that spread via media or word of mouth.
How can urban legends be debunked?
Thorough research, source verification, and critical analysis of incredible or shocking stories can help identify urban legends.
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