Here at SuperTechman, we’re committed to helping you make smarter decisions when it comes to technology. In this guide, we’re debunking 15 of the most common tech myths—and revealing the truth behind each one.
Tech Myth 1: More Bars = Better Service
More signal bars don’t always mean better call quality or faster mobile internet. Those bars reflect the strength of the signal between your device and the nearest cell tower, but not the quality or speed of the connection. Since there’s no standard for displaying signal strength, two phones can show different bars in the same spot. Network congestion and carrier differences often cause poor performance even when the signal appears strong.
Tech Myth 2: Apple Devices Don’t Get Malware
While Apple devices are known for strong security, they’re not immune to malware. Believing otherwise can leave users vulnerable. Mac and iOS users should still consider using antivirus software and practicing safe browsing habits, as attackers increasingly target Apple systems.
Tech Myth 3: Wi-Fi Causes Cancer
Wi-Fi uses non-ionising radiation, which doesn’t have enough energy to damage DNA or cause cancer. Unlike ionising radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays), Wi-Fi signals can’t break chemical bonds in the body, making them harmless under normal exposure conditions.
Tech Myth 4: Incognito Browsing Is Always Private
Incognito mode prevents your browser from saving history and cookies, but it doesn’t make you invisible online. Your activity may still be visible to your internet provider, employer, or school. It also doesn’t protect you from malware or hide your IP address.
Tech Myth 5: You Can Do More on a Laptop Than a Tablet
Modern tablets, especially high-end ones like the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface, rival laptops in power and flexibility. They offer robust multitasking, stylus support, and desktop-class apps—making them viable laptop replacements for many users.
Tech Myth 6: Fully Draining Your Battery Helps Condition It
This was true for older battery types, but not for today’s lithium-ion batteries. Modern batteries don’t suffer from the memory effect. In fact, frequent full discharges can shorten their lifespan. It’s better to charge your device whenever convenient.
Tech Myth 7: You Need to Regularly Defragment Your Computer
Manual defragmentation was important for older hard drives, but today’s systems handle it automatically. SSDs, in particular, don’t need traditional defragmentation and are managed differently by the operating system to maintain performance.
Tech Myth 8: Password-Protected Wi-Fi Is Safe
At home, using WPA2 encryption is generally secure. But on public Wi-Fi, a password doesn’t guarantee safety. Hackers can set up fake hotspots to steal your data. Always use a VPN on public networks to protect your information.
Tech Myth 9: More Megapixels Means Better Camera Quality
Megapixels determine image size, not quality. Photo quality depends on sensor size, optics, and processing. A higher megapixel count only helps when cropping or printing large images. For most uses, sensor and lens quality matter more.
Tech Myth 10: The Government Can Track Your Phone When It’s Off
If your phone is truly powered off, it can’t be tracked—it’s not transmitting any signals. However, malware can make a phone appear off while it remains active. The best protection is using trusted antivirus software and periodically rebooting your device.
Tech Myth 11: Keeping Your Laptop Plugged In Overcharges the Battery
Modern laptops and smartphones include circuits that stop charging once the battery reaches 100%. Overcharging isn’t an issue. However, heat buildup from prolonged charging can degrade battery health, so ensure proper ventilation.
Tech Myth 12: Higher Phone Screen Resolution Always Looks Better
Quad-HD screens sound impressive, but the human eye has limits. On smaller screens, the difference between 1080p and 2K or 4K is negligible. Beyond a certain point, extra pixels offer little to no practical benefit.
Tech Myth 13: More RAM Means a Faster Device
More RAM helps only if your system needs it. Excess RAM doesn’t boost speed by itself. Performance also depends on CPU, storage type, and software optimization. Adding RAM beyond what’s needed offers diminishing returns.
Tech Myth 14: Using a Phone at a Petrol Station Will Cause a Fire
This myth persists, but there’s no documented evidence of fires caused by mobile phones at fuel stations. While theoretically possible due to spark risk, the likelihood is extremely low. Still, it’s wise to follow posted safety rules.
Tech Myth 15: Using a Phone on a Plane Will Crash It
Airlines ask passengers to switch devices to airplane mode to avoid interference. Modern aircraft are well-shielded, and the risk is minimal. Nonetheless, it’s a precautionary measure, not a guarantee of catastrophic failure. Always follow crew instructions.
Final Thoughts
Technology evolves fast, but misinformation spreads even faster. At SuperTechman, we believe in clearing up the confusion so you can use your devices with confidence. Have a tech myth you’ve heard and want busted? Let us know!
