Internet, phones, computers: 10 myths people mistakenly believe about technology

There is a lot of information on the Internet and especially on social networks, and not all of it is true. There are popular opinions and theories, some regarding online security, computers, and gadgets, that do not align with scientific data. PCmag talks about common tech myths.

1. Browser Incognito Mode is completely private

Incognito mode has higher privacy but is not absolute. Generally, this mode deletes cookies for informational purposes only. However, this does not prevent websites from knowing which sites the user has visited. Apart from cookies, there are also individual browser and user characteristics that sites, providers and others can track. Even a VPN can’t save you from this. The best solution is privacy-focused browsers like Tor, but this usually means slower Internet speeds.

2. The average person is not threatened by cybercriminals

Banking data, passwords and other private data are of interest to attackers, regardless of the importance of the person, his status and other data. Private information may be used to obtain paid services on an individual’s behalf, gain unauthorized access to web resources, or for other fraudulent purposes. Databases of ordinary internet users are collected and resold to the attackers who use them. To prevent this, it would be useful to use different passwords for each site and service and not to publish personal information again. Previously Focus wrote about malware pre-installed on some smartphones.

3. Apple’s iPhone or Macbook is not afraid of viruses

Attackers often want to infect as many people as possible with malware; therefore, the more common Windows or Android devices are the primary targets. However, Apple technology also has many users. Yes, the company’s closed ecosystem of devices and programs makes criminal intent more difficult, but it also has vulnerabilities. Recently, a virus was found for iPhone that can even steal money.

4. Batteries have “memory”

In the past, when devices were powered by nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, they could physically “remember” the charging conditions, and in order to charge them in the best possible way, they had to be completely discharged first. However, this does not apply to modern lithium-ion batteries. The problem with modern batteries is that battery life decreases over time and charging time gradually increases.

5. It is necessary to completely discharge the smartphone battery

On the contrary: it is harmful for a modern lithium-ion battery to operate continuously until its charge runs out – their lifespan decreases faster. We recommend partial discharge and charge.

This is another power issue. The internal components of a battery (like those in your smartphone) constantly deteriorate, so over time these materials store less energy. So your old phone has fewer and fewer hours of life compared to the full day or more you get from a brand new device. The best strategy is to never let the battery drop below 20% and then charge it to around 80%.

Previously, information was reported about the invention of a new atomic battery, without which smartphones could not be discharged at all.

6. Charging phones overnight damages the battery.

Important

Phones these days are pretty smart and have extra protection so that the lithium-ion battery stops charging when it reaches 100%. This way it will never be overloaded. Damage to batteries or even burning is caused by poor quality batteries. However, you should not put the phone under the pillow or other places where it can overheat. An older phone may charge fully, then drop to 99% and start charging again. It’s not very good, but you don’t need to worry.

7. 5G towers are bad for your health

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that cell towers are harmful. But still, major conspiracy theories have emerged around this topic, blaming 5G for viral diseases and other problems. It’s easier to say that the towers don’t use frequencies that other electrical devices haven’t been emitting for decades. The World Health Organization says low-level electromagnetic fields from towers are already a very small risk, “if any,” compared to cars, viruses and the like.

8. Radiation, like radiation, is harmful

Part of the problem is the English word “radiation”, which means both “radiation”, as in the propagation of light, and “radiation”, as in the propagation of light, and radioactive radiation that is harmful to health. Electromagnetic radiation is everywhere these days and constantly affects people. As the World Health Organization states: “Everyone is exposed to a complex mixture of weak electric and magnetic fields, both at home and at work.”

Radiation of high power or frequency can actually cause harm, such as X-rays or ultraviolet rays, which can cause ionization of substances. However, this does not apply to ordinary electrical appliances under normal conditions.

9. Airport x-ray wipes laptop and smartphone memory

Conveyor belt scanners used to scan baggage contents at airports and other locations are not capable of damaging the memory of electronic devices. This myth is a holdover from the film camera days: X-ray radiation can actually cause some damage to raw photographs. A strong magnet, such as those used in an MRI, can cause harm. It is desirable that electrical appliances be placed separately, not because they will harm them, but because they may interfere with scanning.

10. Computers should be turned off every evening.

Network security, electricity saving, etc. No, unless it’s about. The open state does not harm the PC or human health. You should turn your computer on or off only for personal convenience.

If this text helped you to be a little less afraid of modern electronics, we suggest you get acquainted with the most interesting and unusual gadgets of 2024.