Technology plays a significant role in our lives, and just about everyone these days is at least a little bit tech-savvy. Unfortunately, despite that, several old tech myths continue to persist. Tech myths often lead to misunderstandings that hinder your ability to take full advantage of your digital tools and devices. In an attempt to rectify some of this, we will debunk some of the most common tech myths and explore the actual truth behind them.
Myth 1: Leaving your device charging for too long damages the battery.
First is one of the most persistent and commonly shared tech myths, that charging your device for an excessive amount of time will ruin the battery life. While there used to be some truth to this myth, thankfully, it is now outdated, as modern smartphones, laptops, and other devices have advanced battery management systems to prevent overcharging. Now once a device reaches its maximum charge capacity, it automatically stops charging, even if it remains connected to the power source.
Myth 2: Incognito mode ensures complete anonymity.
Many users believe that using incognito mode while browsing the web guarantees complete anonymity, but this is inaccurate. While incognito mode does provide some privacy benefits, they're limited mostly to just preventing your browser from saving the following items:
- Browsing history
- Cookies
- Temporary files
However, it does not hide your activities from your internet service provider (ISP) or from the websites you visit. ISPs and websites can still track your IP address, watch your online behavior, and collect your data. If you truly want to remain anonymous online, then you will need to use specialized tools that provide enhanced privacy protection, such as a virtual private network (VPN).
Myth 3: Macs are immune to viruses.
While it is true that Macs have historically been less prone to viruses and malware compared to Windows PCs, the myth that they are immune to these threats is just that, a myth. Proponents of this myth tend to point to malware statistics as evidence. In 2022, 54% of all malware infections happened in Windows systems, with just 6.2% of them in macOS. But those statistics fail to factor in operating system (OS) market share. As of January 2023, Windows had about 74% of the desktop OS market share, whereas Mac's OS had just 15%. The infection rate per user on Macs is 0.075, almost identical to the rate on Windows, at 0.074. As the popularity of Macs has grown, so has the interest of hackers in targeting these devices. Users should take proper cybersecurity precautions, no matter the operating system they use.
Myth 4: More megapixels mean better image quality.
Sometimes myths don't come about naturally; sometimes, they are created by marketing teams, as is the case with smartphone cameras. Many people believe that more megapixels equal better image quality; however, that is a common misconception. Megapixels are a factor in determining the resolution of an image, but they are not the sole indicator of image quality. Much more important to an image's quality are factors such as:
- The size of individual pixels
- Lens quality
- Image processing algorithms
- Low-light performance
A camera with a higher megapixel count may produce larger images. But it does not guarantee superior clarity, color accuracy, or dynamic range. When choosing a smartphone or any camera, consider the complete camera system. Don't only focus on the megapixel count.
Separate Fact from Fiction
Technology is an integral part of our lives, and like any other such aspect of our lives, you must be able to separate the facts from the fiction. Debunking tech myths can empower you to make informed decisions, maximize the potential of your digital experiences, and help you better protect your privacy.