Technology can be confusing and complicated at times. We might be using these devices everyday, but still have questions about how they truly work. There are many misconceptions surrounding modern technology: some of them being true in the past but no longer holding value in the modern world, some of them just being urban legends created to scare people off.
We have broken down some of the most common technological myths on Halloween’s Eve to show you that technology is not that spooky!
Myth: Using cell phones will give you brain cancer.
Truth: Despite it being a common scare in the late 90s, it is simply not true. According to Business Insider, no research to this date has found a link between using a cell phone and getting cancer. Yes, cell phones do emit radiation but it does cause DNA damage, something that is the usual trigger for the disease. Still, you might want to stay tuned for this one. The studies have also indicated that more research is needed, as the results have been inconclusive on more than one.
Myth: If you charge your devices before they fully run out of battery, they will lose the ability to take full charge.
Truth: Back in the day, it used to be true. But now, with the recent advances in technology, this is no longer an issue. Today, lithium ion batteries are used in most devices. They are not only more efficient, but can be recharged at any time. In fact, the new batteries charge better with partial discharge instead of letting the battery run down all the way to zero. Apple notes that you should “charge your lithium-ion battery whenever you want - there’s no need to let it discharge 100% before recharging.” And who are we to argue with Apple?
Myth: A slow-running computer has a virus.
Truth: The virus can be to blame. But, before you panic, you might want to consider many other reasons your computer might be running slower. For starters, you might have a lot of applications and programs running in the background, which would slow down your computer. Even if you just have too many tabs open in any browser, it could consume a significant amount of energy. If your computer is still slow, you could check out your hard drive. There is a chance that you don’t have enough free space to move and manage files. Most computers require at least 15% to 20% of the hardwire to be left empty for optimal functioning. Lastly, your computer might be too old. We cannot hide from the progress of technology and, maybe, it’s time for an upgrade.
Myth: Facebook uses your device’s microphone to listen in on your private conversations.
Truth: With recent privacy scandals surrounding Facebook, it is hard not to believe this one. This myth has been floating around since Facebook first started showing people advertisements on their platform. There have been many reports of people saying that they have gotten advertisements that mirrored their recent conversations. BBC reported that one couple saw wedding advertisements the day after they got engaged, before they even told anyone.
However, Facebook issued a statement in 2016, which debunked this myth once and for all. “Some recent articles have suggested that we must be listening to people’s conversations in order to show them relevant ads. This is not true,” the statement read. “We show ads based on people’s interests and other profile information – not what you’re talking out loud about.”
Myth: Cloud technology is expensive and isn’t secure.
Truth: Cloud technology has recently exploded when access to the internet became more available. Cloud storage providers, such as Dropbox, now offer affordable and scalable storage from any device. A couple years back, in order to store large amounts of data, you had to purchase multiple hard drives or purchase and maintain a server. Cloud technology relieves you from all this trouble: all you need now is access to the internet. It’s not expensive either: you can purchase just the amount of storage you need for your business. If you just need storage for individual needs, there are plenty that are available for free, such as Google Drive, for example. Google also has a storage device named Google Photos, which provides you with free and unlimited storage for all your photos up to 16 megapixels and videos up to 1080p resolution.
You might have some security concerns, which is understandable. After all, you are trusting these companies with your data. Cloud providers devote a lot of their energy to security. If their services are compromised, it could put the company out of business and make them liable for a lawsuit, so they take security extremely seriously.
- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer