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Even an optimist has to agree that every day that you are alive, there is a possibility, even if it’s small and almost invisible, that something bad can happen to you. Even if you don’t leave home or don’t even get up from your bed. The chances are low, but never zero.

Because you live without thinking about it every day, you might not know how you could protect yourself from these dangers. On the other hand, you might have read some tips, but never actually had to apply them, so you don’t know if they are even valid.

To clear up the air on the topic, the popular Twitter account UberFacts that now has a following of 13.6M people asked “What's a popular survival myth that's actually wrong and could possibly get you killed” and let’s take a look at what knowledge people shared.

More info: Twitter

#1

Survival-Myth-Actually-Wrong

Isaysmabel Report

UberFacts is a Twitter account focused on interesting facts that satisfy our curiosity and the need to know random things about the world that aren’t really useful, but just cool. This time they asked a question that made people share facts that are actually quite useful.

People took the opportunity to let out their frustration about misconceptions on how to survive dangerous situations because unnoticeably, they have become the truth even though they are myths.

#2

Survival-Myth-Actually-Wrong

Sean_K_McLean Report

#3

Survival-Myth-Actually-Wrong

durping1001 Report

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alias D.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha ha that’s cute let’s see how they sing when their jewels are ripped off by the chimp

K W
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is ridiculous. I would absolutely beat an elephant in a dance off.

RafCo (he/him)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol reminds me of. Sure, a shark can swim faster than me, but I am way faster than a shark running on land. So it really just comes down to who is the better cyclist.

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harpling
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure I could win a fight against my turtle, even if he gets really angry. But if my dog gets rabies or something and attacks me, I'm dead.

Hugo Farr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Win what and beat them at what? Win a fight, a running race, a weightlifting competition, an extreme temperature endurance challenge, a memory test, a puzzle-solving test? WHAT??

Calane E. Vanya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...but someone forgot to establish the principle of non-use of weapons. it's possible that humans are unable to eradicate tardigrades.

JL
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beat them in what? The crocodile could take me in chess, but I'm pretty sure I could beat him in Twister.

Paola Barbosa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like the only people that could beat a crocodile are from florida haha

Shinyravengirl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s because the USA rates 27th in the world in education. Stop trying to ‘pet’ bison, bears, mountain lions…and no, you can’t win in a fight.

Veronica Jean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it makes you feel better, an average of 5% of Americans suffer from narcissistic personality disorder, and believe themselves superior to all living things..which accounts for a good chunk of these

Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trips to the vet have proven to me that I can't even whip my 16 pound cat. Luckily I have surprise and trickery going for me.

Anon Yymi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I am allowed to improvise a weapon, then maybe, MAYBE I could get one blow in before the chimp rips my arms from their sockets.

Missy Corron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously! Sometimes I wonder that humans survived at all with these dumba$$ genes.

Jessica J.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And all of them will be achieving their Darwin Awards if due time.

Con O Cuinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, but if one attacks you you should still fight for your life

MeMosabe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Proof that half of the population is of below average intelligence. ;) And some are WAY below!

Randolph Croft
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell, prolly 20% think they could best a wolverine. Good luck with that.

Piggy Tee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad taught me this about bears: If it's black, stay back If it's brown, lay down If it's white, say good night I use it every day ;)

Anonymous
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humans can beat any animal because we have invented long-range offensive firearms. But NEVER challenge a wild animal to unarmed combat.

Erik Ivan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We who grew up on a farm are also laughing our behinds off at this.

Erik Ivan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My old parents had a dairy farm. I have seen a cow walk thru a wall made out of 2" lumber. Not a wild panic rush, the girl just pushed her way thru in a lazily pace because she wanted to be on the other side without taking the long way round.

Sue Mullen Andersen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I m not at all confident that I could take a small cat...let alone those other animals!

Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people probably think that animals mentioned above behave like plushies in toy store.

BasedWang12.7
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lulz.. I have no faith in me winning against a f****n chipmunk . If I walk away victorious from anything, Im makin myself a trophy

der sebbl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who the fluff thinks to have a chance against an elephant. None of the options sound like having a chance, but an freaking elephant? I encountered a wild one when I was in Ghana. He didn't seem to care much at first but when we came closer to take a picture he turned to us and trumpeted. That was f*****g scary.

Ian Webling
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some travelling shows in the US in the 19th century had wrestling matches between men (chumps) and chimps. To win the human would have to pin one shoulder of the chimp to the ground for one second. There are no records of a human ever having won.

Shyla Bouche
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people have never seen an adult chimp. They think Elly May's baby in diapers, and have no idea baby chimps grow up.

Amused panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this all the same 17% of those surveyed? Or is there actually a percentage who thinks yep, I can take an elephant, but a chimpanzee would beat me hands down

Chesty Gardner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

48% of the American population would actively engage with these animals..! It sort of sums up the American educational system. This is the same country that thinks 30% of the population live in Texas and that 41% of the population is Black. When in reality only 9% live in Texas and 12% are black. What the heck is being taught in their schools..?

Steve
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just got this GREAT new idea for a youtube channel!

Nicola Koh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what are they expecting to do to the elephant? put on a mouse costume?

Eric Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could definitely win against a wolf. Pretty sure a chimp would shred me. Wouldn't stand a chance against the others.

Louie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d have to review the methodology but I suspect alcohol was somehow involved somewhere along this survey process

tara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't a chimp responsible for the need of the first human face transplant???

Moosy Girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here I am ready to run at the sight of a 1 cm wasp… :/

Jordan Riopelle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh you better be ready to fight a wolf! They can run much faster and so much longer than you ever could. Find a weapon and prepare to fight

Catte West
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like my beer swilling, truck driving, ah, love ma dawg, redneck landlord.

Sheepdude
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, the stories of Florida do tell of same daring acts

Ray Carrillo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only if armed properly, otherwise an ugly death. Not sure who thinks they can beat a chimpanzee, try watching Nope.

Jordi Sharpe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no sympathy for cage divers. You wanna f**k around? Find out.

Scarlett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile I believe that I could hug any of the fluffy animals on this list and not be killed because they’d sense my wonderful vibes

Scp_049
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They probably think they'll have access to weapons like guns.

censorshipsucks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think of all these animals, the gorilla and chimp scare me the most. They're like humans, but way stronger. Wolf I reckon I could take. Croc, elephant, lion, nope.

Jeff Gabrisl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah.. Zookeepers have been been eviscerated by big cats that are just playing the way cats do. The cats weren't trying to hurt anyone, they were just playing. I would never try to fight a wild animal, that's just stupid. However I would totally try to befriend a wild animal, and probably end up in the same situation. It's the internet's fault. I have seen too many videos of people caring for orphaned big cats, releasing them to the wild, and then the giant murder kitty comes running up for love and snuggles.

Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It cracks me up that any spoiled human thinks they can win against an animal that literally fights for its survival on the daily.

Mario Strada
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They mean they can do it after they buy and equip their armored troops transport or battle tank. They forget that a chimp will likely learn how to open the hatch and get inside before you can traverse the .50 cal (in their fevered dreams).

Mohammad Ammar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I might be able to outrun a croc if I have enough distance and run in zigzags. Crocs don't really chase prey on land much anyway. The rest of these animals though, I'd die just looking at.

Doctor Strange
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Running in zigzags to escape a croc is pointless. Actually it is less than pointless, because it keeps you in range longer than just running straight away. Crocs are ambush predators, they don't chase.

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Almost 400 people joined the conversation and many of them mentioned facts related to how to protect yourself from wild animals, which makes sense, as it is a very possible encounter depending on where you live.

They also touched on survival tips during natural disasters, being attacked with a gun or being stranded in the middle of nowhere without supplies.

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#4

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k9cbw Report

#5

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ErikFaden Report

Such information which turns out to be false is called misinformation and researchers who write the article “The psychological drivers of misinformation belief and its resistance to correction” believe that it is dangerous as it “poses an inevitable challenge for human cognition and social interaction because it is a consequence of the fact that people frequently err and sometimes lie.”

Also, now it’s easier than ever to spread misinformation, whether it’s intentional or not, because of modern technology and its huge reach, as there are 5 billion internet users around the world, which is more than half of the world’s population.

#6

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lucabrassy Report

#7

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BenInCali Report

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But it’s not only the widely available information being repeated multiple times that contributes to people believing in false facts. “When deciding what is true, people are often biased to believe in the validity of information, and ‘go with their gut’ and intuitions instead of deliberating.”

What is also convincing about misinformation is that not only can it spread quickly, but “often contains appeals to emotion, which can increase persuasion.”

#8

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awevicks Report

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#9

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pghguyinva Report

There are multiple ways misinformation is spread. University of Victoria points out social media as one of the biggest contributors to spreading false information: “Regular users of social media are to blame for a lot of this spread, as they like, share, and otherwise engage with posts containing misinformation.”

Another way is circular reporting, which means that a news outlet publishes information and others pick up citing the original source, trusting they have the correct facts or willingly continuing the false narrative.

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#10

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jayquintana_jr Report

#11

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AlasdairKenned1 Report

The ways to combat misinformation are “a fact-based correction that directly addresses inaccuracies in the misinformation and provides accurate information” and addressing “the logical fallacies common in some types of disinformation.”

Researchers believe that social media plays a big role in combating misinformation “because they can reduce false beliefs not just in the target of the correction but among everyone that sees the correction — a process termed observational correction.”

#12

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TylerChesmore Report

#13

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pianoguyShane Report

But it’s not easy to convince someone that their source of information is misleading instead of yours. If you would like to know more about the psychology of a person believing in conspiracy theories and what is the best way to communicate with them, you can read another Bored Panda article here, in which we talked with Karen Douglas, a Professor of Social Psychology at University of Kent, who studies the psychology of conspiracy theories.

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#14

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Spoderguy2 Report

Have you ever fallen for false information? Have you believed in any of these survival myths? Let us know in the comments and also, if there are any more survival myths you know that weren’t mentioned in the list, share them as well!

#15

Survival-Myth-Actually-Wrong

BlueKingsOfKY Report

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BlindNewSpeak Report

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