Popular Myths in Psychology: Wrong Things We Think We Know

Many things about psychology have been drummed into our ears: “We only use 10% of our brains,” “Psychologists can read minds,” “Everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD”… But how much of what we’ve heard is actually true? These claims, frequently encountered in daily life, may sound plausible but often do not align with scientific facts. In reality, many myths about psychology have taken root in our minds without us even realizing it.

In this article, we examine some common misconceptions that we believe to be true about psychology but are in fact false. Let’s take a closer look at the list of “widely accepted falsehoods.”

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This is perhaps the most frequently heard psychological myth. It appears everywhere—from movies and books to motivational speeches and social media posts. However, scientific evidence shows this claim is entirely false.

Brain imaging techniques such as fMRI clearly demonstrate that nearly the entire brain is actively engaged during various tasks. In fact, if any part of the brain were nonfunctional, it would lead to serious neurological problems. If 90% of our brain were idle, that would be a sign of illness. Fortunately, that is not the case.

The belief that intelligence is determined solely by genetics and cannot be altered is widespread. Yet research shows that intelligence is shaped by both innate factors and environmental influences.

Educational level, nutrition, social environment, stress levels, and even emotional support can all affect an individual’s cognitive capacity. Carol Dweck’s theory of the “growth mindset” supports this: people can develop many cognitive abilities over time, including intelligence.

In popular culture, hypnosis is portrayed as a mysterious tool for overriding people’s will. In reality, hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. Even when hypnotized, individuals do not act against their values nor become completely vulnerable to external influences. Hypnosis can serve as a helpful technique in therapy, but it cannot turn anyone into a zombie-like puppet.

This myth underlies the idea that people are either “left-brained” or “right-brained,” and thus either analytical or artistic. However, science shows that the two hemispheres of the brain are constantly communicating and that tasks are not divided so sharply.

For example, language is typically processed in the left hemisphere, but understanding emotional tone requires the right hemisphere as well. In short, we all use both sides of our brain, continuously.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious and genuine psychological condition. However, it is not true that every person who experiences trauma develops this disorder. People cope with trauma in different ways. Factors such as social support, psychological resilience, and the nature of the trauma itself influence whether PTSD develops. Moreover, some individuals experience “post-traumatic growth” after difficult experiences, developing a stronger sense of self.

In movies, a psychologist can guess a client’s past, uncover their trauma, and produce a near-magical solution before the client even speaks. In reality, psychologists cannot read minds. They are experts who seek to understand individuals’ experiences through scientific methods and therapeutic skills. Therapy takes time, relies on trust, and progresses through mutual collaboration. The belief that “psychologists know everything” can lead to unrealistic expectations.

These two conditions are often confused by the public. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by detachment from reality, hallucinations, and delusions. Multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder) involves the presence of distinct identity states in one person.

Schizophrenia is not a “split personality” but a disturbance in perception and thought. The two belong to entirely different diagnostic categories.

In conclusion, such myths about psychology not only contribute to misinformation but also negatively affect how people view mental health. Beliefs like “psychologists can read minds” or “intelligence is fixed” can hinder personal development and impede access to psychological help.

Therefore, it is essential to seek accurate information, critically evaluate psychological content, and rely on scientifically grounded sources. Let us remember: psychology is a science. And as in every scientific field, here too we need facts, not myths.