Busted!!
Handheld Gaming Consoles
(mainly targets the video game aspect, since, with handhelds video games are now more accessible)
Myth #1: Violent video gameplay encourages aggression
Many perceive video games as harmful as they believe violent video game play leads to serious aggression which can result in criminal activity, for example school shootings. This fear guides adults into disallowing their children from engaging in video games.
Mostly False. While it is true that video games have been linked to behaviours such as delinquency, fighting and robbery, these acts are only relevant to the minority, which in most cases, to begin with, already possess violent tendencies. According to a report in 2001 by U.S. Surgeon General, school shootings were a result of factors such as mental stability, quality of home life and not media exposure. In reference to this, discontent of deprived children may lead to criminal acts. In addition, according to federal crime statistics, the rate of juvenile violent crimes is decreasing.
Myth #2: Playing of video games are antisocial
One concern and case against video games is the amount of time which youths spend on them may create a social barrier whereby the player to reject social interactions and outdoor activities, in their obsession over completing a game or overwriting their high score record.
Mostly False. As mentioned previously, unless in extreme circumstances, most video gameplay is definitely social, whereby youths can link up with other players, friends and strangers alike, to engage in either a competition or a mutual cooperation in a given mission. Not only does this foster team spirit, but also helps friends to bond off screen whilst setting aside any aggressive desires for the screen. Likewise, siblings and family ties can be strengthened through these games.
Myth #3: Video games are for boys
Often described as a gender gap, many fear that girls would be left out of the digital revolution and that the market for video games would remain dominated by the males as females were less likely and mostly did not play any form of video games.
False!! Boys, please cast this prehistoric mindset aside and use video games as an opportunity to connect with your female classmates. Such sexist stereotypes were debunked by the Pew Research when 99% of boys an 94% of girls reported active participation in video games. Especially with the innovation of games like Nitendogs(Nintendo DS), it's no wonder girls no longer are forgoing their barbies to spend more time with their handhelds.
Portable Media Players
Myth #1: Few people suffer from hearing loss and most of them are old
Many harbour the belief that hearing loss is too rare a symptom to be concerned about. Moreover, to most youths, hearing loss is often associated with the elderly as their human anatomy begins to deteriorate and hence too distant a topic to worry over.
False! In reality, hearing loss is the world's leading disability. More than 10% of the population experiences hearing loss and need to rely on hearing aids. In addition, loud noises affect you adversely regardless of age. To put into figures, 15 of every 1000 people under 18 years suffer hearing loss, while the larger portion of people who suffer from hearing loss are under the age of 65.
Myth #2: iPods only have a 18 month battery life
iPod batteries have been said to be specially made defective, such that as soon as the warranty period ends, they will drain so quickly it will force you to purchase a new one.
False. There is no definite time frame for which the batteries are able to charge. In truth, it depends on how many times you have charged your iPod since, as stated by Apple, the battery is able to charge 400-500 cycles. Assuming the iPod is charged appropriately at regular intervals, this should allow your iPod to function for an estimated 2 to 3 years(24 to 36months). A survey we conducted with iPod users well above the 18month ownership mark, also reflected that few experienced defects with their batteries.
Myth #3: I can download all the music I want since it is free.
Youths today turn to online music websites for free unlimited downloads, thinking it more economical than purchasing a retailing album.
False. Hidden costs arise whilst downloading music in terms of spyware, corrupted files, adware and, in the worst case scenario, viruses. This invites various advertisements and bugs to invade not only your computer but also that of your friends'. Finally, you are forced to purchase a costly spyware removal programme to fix the mess you have created. In addition, less demand of retailed albums may mean that less artists and producers will enter the music scene and, therefore, the cost of not having potentially good music for our listening pleasure.
Laptops
Myth #1: Over-charging of battery will lead to an explosion
An email I received recently described how a person charged his battery beyond the 99% capacity causing it to explode and injuring him in the process.
Completely False. In most cases of overheating, the battery will melt, but definitely not explode. The reason is that once the battery fully charges, the charging potion will sense it and cut the battery off, preventing it from charging any further. Hence, it will never exceed 99%, no matter how long you charge it for.
Myth #2: You must use a special LCD screen cleaner
Myth #3: You may use a paper towel to clean the screen
Two separate beliefs that differ from each other in regards to cleaning one's screen are if we must use a special LCD screen cleaner or if paper towels are good enough.
False! Both instances are classic examples of misconception. LCD screen cleaners are useful, but definitely not an obligation and should be reserved for only very persistent stains. Even so, it is not guaranteed to work. The latter, paper towels, contain coarse fibres that could scratch your screen and should be avoided at all times. For a special cleaner, Apple recommends iKlear by Klear Screen.
Myth #4: Laptop batteries need exercise
When going on a long vacation, my friend was worried that her laptop batteries will degenerate from prolonged stagnation. Hence, she contemplated putting it over at my place so that I could discharge it for her every once in a while. - We used similar laptop models.
False! I admit I was almost taken in by her inaccurate source of information. While this was true in the past, laptops today run on lithium ion batteries with no memory, meaning they no longer need to discharge in order to preserve battery life. Even so, it is recommended for you to discharge your batteries to zero periodically in order to allow the fuel gauge indicator on your screens to refresh.
Cellphones
Myth #1: Cellphones initiate gas station fires.
Once, I was my Math teacher gave me a ride home from school, stopping by the gas station in midway to refill her gas tank. At that point of time, my friend and I were text messaging with our cellphones. She immediately made us turn our phones off, for fear that they would release waves of static electricity that may ignite gas fuels, stating she read of it in an email.
False! This rumour was generated in the 90s from a email claiming evidence from Shell Oil about three separate instances where cellphones initiated fires at the pumps. This was later affirmed by Shell to be a complete hoax. Though possible, the static electricity from cellphones are not powerful enough to cause fires.
Myth #2: Call 112 anywhere and #77 in the US when faced with an emergency
It has been said that 112 is the universal number to reach emergency services, while dialing #77 everywhere in the US will lead you to the highway patrol.
Mostly False. Neither of the numbers will directly lead you to help when you're in peril. While #77 may link you with the local US highway patrols, it is only relevant and limited to certain areas. Alternatively, while dialing 112 may be the standard emergency number for numerous foreign countries, it does not operate in the US. It is best adviced that in times of emergency, call 911, unless you are very certain that the numbers are working. Also, make it a habit to check for emergency numbers when travelling to a new country.
Myth #3: Cellphones hamper hospital equipments.
Disruption from cellphone signals have been bizarrely linked to the malfunction of hospital equipment which kills signals. This has probably got to do with the logic of aircraft signal disruption.
Entirely False! A study by the Mayo Clinic, involving 300 tests using two cellphones, four carriers and 192 other medical devices over a five month period proved that cellphone frequency signals had no connection to contorted medical equipments, whatsoever. To think certain hospitals have even issued a ban on cellphones!
Myth #4: Death calls
Last year, an email which first circulated in Pakistan which warned not to accept calls from certain numbers as they transmitted high frequency signals which could result in brain hemorrhage and death. Stories spread like wildfire, even of the supernatural angered by cell phone towers constructed on graveyards.
False! Sounds ridiculous? Well, this epidemic caused widespread terror amongst many countries which called for a large scale investigation by government officials, engineers and mobile service providers. The investigation validated the erroneous and impracticality of such incidents.
Acknowledgememts:
1. Herny Jenkins' debunks video gaming myths. (31st March 2009)
2. Henry Jenkins' second take on video gaming myths with accordance to the New pew Study.(31st March 2009)
3. Eyecaredr tells that hearing less is the number one disability in the world. (31st March 2009)
4. Assistech addresses 10 myths about hearing loss.(31st March 2009)
5. iPodlegends addresses top 10 iPod myths.(31st March 2009)
6. Independently exposed exposes unlimited music downloads.(31st March 2009)
7. k007 presents eight myhts about laptop's lithium-ion battery. (31st March 2009)
8. Interrupt 19 on myths and facts about cleaning a laptop display. (31st March 2009)
9. Michaelooi for busting the myth that batteries require exercise.(31st March 2009)
10. Dan Reilly's explanation towards cellphone myths.(31st March 2009)
11. David Emery on death calls.(31st March 2009)