Professionals Are Sharing "It Doesn't Work Like That" Stories, And Here Are 30 Of The Most Entertaining Ones
We encounter these kinds of myths literally every day
Every era has its own myths and folklore. These were once great warriors and terrifying monsters, then noble knights and lovely princesses, cowboys who never missed a shot, and bulletproof superheroes.
The modern world has its own myths as well, and we encounter them practically every day. Literally every job is surrounded by myths, and we are the ones who create these stories.
We can be certain that spies spend their entire lives driving around in luxurious cars while donning exorbitantly expensive clothes just by seeing a few James Bond movies. We will be convinced that animal shelter employees have the best job in the world because they get to pet dogs and cats all day long just by viewing a few kid-friendly movies.
There are several examples, and a well-liked post starter in the AskReddit community recently aided us by asking people: "What's your profession's myth that you frequently need to explain "It doesn't work like that" to people?" With more than 3.8K comments and 2.6K upvotes in just a few days, the thread has amassed a remarkable collection of today’s mythology.
The most well-liked comments from the original post have been compiled below to help you understand all this excess. So go ahead and read the stories about dispelling modern myths.
More info: Reddit
1. Factory workers
fafaxsake, Ekkasit Chaingam2. Things to know about wearing glasses
Wearing glasses doesn't make your eyes worse. There are so many misconceptions and so much false reasoning that goes into that one belief that I don't even know where to start. But I'll try anyway I guess.1) "I noticed my eyes got blurry only after wearing glasses!" That is because your eyes have adjusted to seeing things with more clarity. So of course you're now going to notice when you're missing that clarity whether it be because you took off your glasses or your prescription has changed.2) "Wearing glasses cause eye strain!" No it doesn't. Your usual eye strain is from working long hours or staring at screens. But you're only noticing it now because the adjustment period when getting glasses for the first time or when getting a new prescription does increase eye strain until you adjust.3) "I used to never need glasses but now I need new ones every two years! My eyes are getting worse because of glasses!" Refer back to 1. But also you didn't need glasses previously because your eyesight wasn't s**tty enough for you to notice yet or be really othered by it yet. That doesn't mean you didn't actually need them. Your eyesight was probably changing every year even while you didn't notice. Now that you are used to seeing with clarity, you'll notice when things aren't clear and crisp anymore.I have dealt with many adults who insist they don't need glasses, either distance or reading or both, because they just don't want to concede that their vision isn't great anymore. These are adults with nearsightedness, astigmatism, and sometimes who even need reading correction. And they can't see s**t. Like why are you so stubborn.
Lisa Fotios4. We're doing the minimum
LetzterMensch11, ntm1909
The Power of Misinformation
Dr. Julia Martinez, a social psychologist at NYU, explains that misinformation can spread rapidly in social contexts, often leading to widespread misconceptions. When individuals encounter an incorrect belief, the desire to conform can lead them to adopt these myths as truths.
This phenomenon highlights the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in navigating social narratives.
Understanding Misconceptions
Dr. Jennifer Mills, a social psychologist, emphasizes that misconceptions often arise from cognitive biases and limited information.
Research indicates that individuals tend to rely on heuristics—mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making—leading to errors in judgment.
According to studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, these biases can perpetuate false beliefs, affecting interpersonal dynamics.
5. The hardware store
Mjarf88, L.C. Nøttaasen
6. Book writing
weird-oh, Sergey Torbik
7. The job of the defense attorney
Catherineb84, laredawg
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates that social conformity plays a significant role in how individuals process information. When people see others accepting misinformation, they're more likely to adopt those beliefs themselves, even in the face of contradictory evidence.
Understanding this tendency can empower individuals to question prevailing narratives and seek out accurate information.
Social norms and cultural beliefs play a significant role in shaping perceptions of reality.
Psychologists suggest that understanding the societal context can help individuals navigate misunderstandings more effectively.
This aligns with the concept of social constructionism, which posits that our understanding of reality is shaped by social interactions and cultural narratives.
8. From a former pastry chef
Catherineb84, laredawg
3. Yeah.
NoStressAccount, Sadmir Kanovicki
9. There is no skeleton key
PapaOoMaoMao, plenty.r.
The Role of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is a powerful psychological force that can influence how people respond to myths. When faced with evidence contradicting their beliefs, individuals may experience discomfort, leading them to double down on their original stance rather than reconsidering their views.
This resistance to change can perpetuate misinformation and hinder productive discussions.
The Role of Communication in Clarifying Misunderstandings
Effective communication is crucial in addressing misconceptions and fostering understanding.
Dr. Emily Chen emphasizes that asking clarifying questions can help uncover underlying assumptions and beliefs.
Research indicates that individuals who engage in open dialogue report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and reduced conflict.
10. A retired used book store owner
lmcbmc, VasenkaPhotography
11. Your old technical device
wildfire98, Alan Levine
12. The Defibrillator
OTTB_Mama, Iain Cameron
According to Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, "Individuals who are open to discussing diverse perspectives are more adept at discerning truth from misinformation." Engaging in open dialogues can challenge personal beliefs and cultivate a more informed outlook. Promoting a culture of curiosity and inquiry, as noted by Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, can significantly mitigate the influence of myths in social contexts.
When confronting myths or misunderstandings, it's vital to approach the situation with empathy and patience.
Studies in conflict resolution highlight that empathetic communication can de-escalate tensions and promote cooperation.
This approach aligns with the principles of compassionate communication, which emphasizes understanding and validation of feelings.
13. Being addicted to pain medication
Aggressivecleaning, Rick Kimpel
14. It's not in the back
m_g2468, David Stewart
15. Pet euthanasia
Reddit
Social Media's Influence on Myths
Social media platforms can amplify misinformation, creating echo chambers where false narratives thrive. Dr. Alex Johnson from Stanford University suggests that the design of these platforms often prioritizes sensational content, further perpetuating myths.
Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating the digital landscape and discerning fact from fiction.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
Fostering critical thinking skills can empower individuals to challenge misconceptions effectively.
Experts recommend encouraging reflective practices, such as journaling or group discussions, to promote deeper understanding.
This aligns with research suggesting that critical thinking is associated with better problem-solving abilities and enhanced social interactions.
16. The vet techs
Constant_Problem9387, p.nguyen
17. The retail Industry
RagingHolly, Clean Wal-Mart
18. Car mechanics don't know everything
potato13254, neajjean
Practical strategies for combating misinformation include actively seeking diverse sources of information. Experts recommend cross-referencing claims with reputable sources and engaging in discussions that challenge one's beliefs.
By fostering critical thinking and skepticism, individuals can better navigate the complexities of modern information landscapes.
Building a supportive community can create an environment conducive to learning and understanding.
Research suggests that social support networks can buffer against the negative effects of misconceptions and foster open dialogue.
This aligns with the social learning theory, which posits that individuals learn behaviors and attitudes from their social circles.
19. From a University Professor
bigbrowbeater, eren {sea+prairie}
20. Agree with the journalist before hand
Yossarian__, CoWomen
21. Note that
The_Max_V, Bytemarks
The Importance of Fact-Checking
Fact-checking is a vital skill in today's information age. Dr. Lisa Chen from Harvard Business School emphasizes that individuals who develop strong fact-checking skills are less likely to fall prey to misinformation.
Incorporating fact-checking into daily routines can empower individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to a more informed society.
The Role of Feedback in Growth
Feedback is essential for personal growth and understanding, and individuals should view it as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Dr. Rachel Smith suggests that reframing feedback as a tool for improvement can promote a growth mindset.
According to studies published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who adopt a growth mindset tend to achieve better outcomes in various aspects of life.
22. Weight loss
Weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out. There is nothing easy about getting your stomach resized to hold a cup or less of food, it f***s up your metabolism, eating the wrong things can cause serious pain, and guess what you're on for the rest of your life? A restrictive diet. Because your stomach's tiny but you still need all the nutrients.Weight loss medications are not the easy way out either. They don't work unless the patient does, and even then, sometimes it takes months to find the right combo of meds. And there's still nutrition and exercise requirements.Basically, being obese is really hard, and getting to a point where one is no longer obese is also really hard, so when you see someone obese, assume that they're doing their best and could use some kindness.
Andres Ayrton
23. Taxes
Bebe_Bleau, Keith Cooper
24. The students need to learn
MrsMisthios, MART PRODUCTION
Encouraging open discussions about myths and misinformation can create a culture of inquiry. Research shows that dialogues centered on challenging beliefs can lead to greater understanding and reduce the spread of false information.
By fostering environments where questioning is encouraged, communities can promote critical thinking and resilience against misinformation.
Ultimately, addressing misconceptions requires a blend of communication, empathy, and critical thinking.
By fostering a culture of understanding, individuals can navigate complex social dynamics more effectively, leading to healthier relationships.
This awareness can enhance overall well-being and community cohesion.
25. Working in child care
cocoavendorbecky, TeaMeister
26. Getting rid of the chlorine
Malka8, Aaron Toth
27. Boundaries
Graceishh, christopher cornelius
28. From a tax professional
Reddit
29. No doctor does all aspects of medicine and surgery
nematocyst987, Anna Shvets
30. Child Welfare Investigator
KyleB2131, Eren Li
31. Baking
AlleywayGum
32. Computer Animation
CheeseburgerBrown, Vancouver Film School
33. A psychologist
0_0moon0_0, cottonbro
Ask any software engineer you know how often they've been requested to fix a desktop. Or, how often do friends ask an accountant to handle their taxes, even if they have never dealt with a tax return in their entire professional career?
If you have professional experience that can also dispel a myth into the winds, please share it with us by leaving a comment below.
Psychological Analysis
This scenario illustrates how misconceptions can create barriers to understanding and collaboration.
Recognizing these dynamics is essential for fostering a culture of empathy and open dialogue.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The psychological insights into misconceptions highlight the importance of communication and critical thinking in fostering understanding.
Research indicates that these skills can significantly improve interpersonal relationships and community dynamics.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, understanding the psychological dynamics of misinformation is crucial for navigating today's complex information landscape. By fostering critical thinking and open discourse, individuals can combat the spread of myths and promote informed decision-making.
As emphasized by Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, "The ability to question and verify information is essential for a thriving society." His insights highlight the importance of critical engagement with information in today's world.
