30 Scary Scientific Facts Uncovered By Members Of This Online Community

Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible, mind-boggling facts that science uncovers about the world around us? Well, there's an online group that has been on a journey of discovery, and what they've found might just make you look at things a little differently.

Ignorance might feel comfortable, but the truth is - the more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know. This group has put together a list of 30 scientific facts that will make your jaw drop.

These are the kind of facts that you probably didn't learn in school, and once you know them, you won't be able to look at the world the same way again. From the mind-bending vastness of space to the microscopic complexity of our bodies, science has a way of revealing the secrets that hide in plain sight.

It's like discovering a hidden layer of reality that's been right in front of us all along. But remember, with great knowledge comes a touch of humility. As we uncover these facts, we're reminded that there's so much more to learn.

Ignorance might feel like bliss, but knowledge is power, and it's what keeps us curious and hungry for answers. So, get ready to have your mind blown and your perspective shifted as we delve into these everyday scientific wonders.

Buckle up, because once you've read through these revelations, you'll see the world with new eyes, and you might just find that the pursuit of knowledge is the most exhilarating journey of all.

Knowledge is power. But also a burden

Pexels

1. The Carrington Event.

In 1859 the sun spewed a huge amount of highly-charged plasma that brushed against the Earth's magnetosphere and caused every electronic device on Earth to receive a huge electric shock. At the time, "every electronic device on Earth" consisted of a few telegraph machines. Some simply ran even while disconnected from their power supply for a while, some melted.If an event like this were to happen today (we're overdue for one), it would pretty much destroy every single electronic device, including all of the infrastructure used to generate and distribute electricity.There would be widespread blackouts everywhere, and no way to contact anyone to call for help or find out what state the rest of the world is in. And no way to fix it other than re-creating centuries worth of scientific advancements by hand.CapnFang

2. Alzheimer's/Dementia - anything where you lose your memory or become a burden to your family

Motor_Relation_5459

The Psychology of Fear and Ignorance

Dr. Mark Jensen, a cognitive psychologist, explains that fear often thrives in the absence of information, leading to heightened anxiety and panic.

Ignorance can create a fertile ground for misconceptions and unfounded fears, making it essential to approach scientific facts with an open mind.

Research indicates that knowledge and critical thinking can significantly reduce fear responses and promote healthier coping mechanisms.

The Role of Ignorance in Psychological Well-being

The concept of 'ignorance is bliss' has psychological underpinnings that relate to how individuals cope with distressing information. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, highlights that sometimes, being unaware of certain harsh realities can provide temporary relief from anxiety and existential dread. This phenomenon can lead to a false sense of security, but it may also prevent necessary coping strategies from being developed.

According to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, individuals who avoid confronting uncomfortable truths might face greater psychological distress in the long term, as the unresolved issues can manifest in various maladaptive behaviors.

3. The fact that we've only searched a little bit of the whole ocean.

I wouldn't even get wet from the sea on the surface, I don't wanna see whatever the f**k's down there5keletonj4zzw1zard

4. Our brain

_spookyvision_

5. Death. Just death. Blows my mind that one day we just cease to exist and people just go on with their life as if we were never there.

anon

Interestingly, cognitive dissonance plays a significant role in how individuals react to scary scientific facts.

When confronted with information that contradicts their beliefs, people often experience discomfort, leading to a defensive reaction rather than an openness to new ideas.

Studies demonstrate that understanding this psychological phenomenon can help mitigate negative reactions and promote a more rational dialogue around controversial topics.

Moreover, this perspective ties into the broader psychological concept of cognitive dissonance, where individuals strive for internal harmony. A clinical psychologist explains that when faced with frightening information, people may unconsciously shift their beliefs or attitudes to reduce the discomfort associated with those truths. This can lead to a cycle of denial that hinders personal growth and understanding.

Research conducted by psychologists at Yale University confirms that individuals often prefer information that aligns with their existing beliefs, even if it means ignoring evidence to the contrary.

6. Quite a common one, but space is SO BIG. Like, bigger than the amount that we can observe. Gives me the chills.

Backstage____

7. Atoms are 99.99% empty space. The nature of all seemingly solid matter is an illusion.

osunightfall

8. naegleria fowleri (brain eating amoeba) has a 97% fatality rate and it’s immune to most antibiotics

Old_Championship3196

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Dr. Lisa Patel, an educational psychologist, emphasizes the need for critical thinking skills in the face of alarming information.

Teaching individuals how to evaluate evidence and discern credible sources can empower them to confront fears with rationality rather than avoidance.

Research supports that fostering critical thinking not only improves individual decision-making but also leads to more informed communities.

Coping Mechanisms and Their Consequences

Interestingly, while ignorance may serve as a temporary coping mechanism, it can have long-lasting effects on mental health. A study published in the European Journal of Psychology emphasizes that avoidance tactics can lead to increased anxiety and depression over time. These findings suggest that facing fears and seeking knowledge, even when uncomfortable, can be key to emotional resilience.

Psychologists recommend gradually exposing oneself to distressing information in a controlled manner to build tolerance and coping skills. This approach can empower individuals, enabling them to confront challenges head-on rather than remain trapped in avoidance.

9. The Andromeda Galaxy is on a collision course with the Milky Way Galaxy and it is moving at us at the rate of 70 miles a second. However, we have 5 billion years to get ready.

imflukeskywalker

10. Ionizing radiation. The concept feels like cosmic horror to me. Like an invisible curse, that can kill you just for stepping into a forbidden place.

Ok-Organization9073

11. Any AI smart enough to pass the Turing test, is smart enough to know to fail it

Shadeslaer

To combat fear and misinformation, educational programs focusing on scientific literacy can be incredibly effective.

Encouraging discussions around scientific topics in schools and community settings can help demystify complex issues and promote a culture of inquiry.

Additionally, fostering environments where questions are welcomed can lead to deeper understanding and reduce fear-based reactions.

This discussion also brings to light the importance of community engagement in addressing fears and misconceptions. Research shows that social support can play a crucial role in enhancing psychological resilience. A study from the American Psychological Association indicates that individuals who engage with supportive communities are better equipped to face difficult truths and navigate the complexities of life.

Participating in discussions, whether online or in person, can foster a sense of belonging and shared understanding, which can alleviate feelings of isolation related to confronting harsh realities.

12. Just being alive is the most f*****g bizarre thing in the world.

redditshy

13. If you get hit hard enough in that spot on the back of your head where your spine connects to your skull, you die instantly.

DemonFrage

14. People in large groups become really bad at making decisions, planning, and making accurate judgements.

It doesn’t matter if the group is made of genuinely intelligent people, the above is always true.Rusty-Wheel

Community and Psychological Resilience

Building a community that values open dialogue and knowledge-sharing can enhance psychological resilience.

Research shows that when individuals feel connected to their communities, they are better equipped to handle fear and uncertainty.

Creating safe spaces for discussions about scientific facts can empower individuals to confront their fears together, fostering a sense of unity and support.

Practical Steps Towards Awareness

To combat the effects of ignorance, individuals can adopt practical strategies to increase awareness without overwhelming themselves. Setting aside time for education on relevant topics, such as participating in workshops or reading credible sources, can promote informed decision-making. Additionally, engaging in conversations with trusted peers can provide a safe space for exploring difficult subjects.

Incorporating mindfulness practices can also enhance self-awareness, allowing individuals to approach distressing information with a calmer mindset. Techniques such as meditation or journaling can facilitate a deeper understanding of personal reactions to uncomfortable truths.

15. Your brain recalls memories when you die but your brain also recalls memories wrong so you're basically lying to yourself right before you die

IndianaJonesDoombot

16. I suppose that at any moment you can have an aneurysm and bam you're dead and there's not much you can really do to prevent it or even predict it

DoopFoopHoop

17. That humanity has changed so drastically in the last 100 years that it scares me how different life will be in even 50 years from now

JP1426

Ultimately, addressing fear and ignorance requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, open dialogue, and community support.

By promoting scientific literacy and encouraging critical thinking, we can cultivate a more informed and resilient society.

Research consistently shows that knowledge is a powerful antidote to fear, paving the way for healthier emotional responses.

18. Antimicrobial resistance.

What's really crazy is, we owe our modern prosperity (especially in the US) to antibiotics. Each particular antibiotic only works for a short period of time, before pathogenic bacteria becomes resistant to it. We've been though numerous different antibiotics since the discovery of penicillin, and pathogenic bacteria have become resistant to almost all of them. We're running out of antibiotics that are still effective.About 4 or 5 years ago, I learned that there were babies born in India who had infections that were resistant to all known types of antibiotics.There's a good chance that in our lifetimes, we'll see people dying from common infections due to the lack of effective drugs to treat them.uglyugly1

19. When you look up at the sky you aren't really looking up. Gravity keeps you grounded, and you're really staring down into an infinite fall

Good-of-Rome

20. The theory of MAD, or mutually assured destruction.

It's a great theory for helping me sleep at night, but uh... It kinda only works if everyone involved is always rational at all times, and never feels they have nothing to lose.Thankfully no human ever acts irrationally.And certainly if they did, we'd never let them keep control of nuclear weapons!That'd be insane.Ha ha. Really insane.Like, "insane" is honestly putin it mildly.Phoenix042

21. It's thought our galaxy is full of rogue planets wandering free from their original star.

At any time one of these planets could wander through our solar system radically throwing off the fragile balance of our orbits. A big enough planet passing close enough could send us careening into the sun.Fun_Boysenberry_5219

22. There have already been five mass extinction level events

justandswift

23. That since 9/11 more soldiers [take their own lives] than die in war.

DanMittaul

24. The teleportation theory

The teleportation theory, that teleporters don't actually move you from place to place but kills you by breaking you down to molecular level and create a exact replica of you on the other end who thinks it's you because it has your memory. And as more and more people will use it they will keep getting replaced by a different person each time.SuvenPan

25. There are microorganisms and bacteria crawling around your eyes.

Academically, I know that we think they are helpful and fight disease. However, I don't like the notion of stuff crawling around in/on my eyes.BobTheGC

26. The fact that we will never ever be able to know everything.

 like theres a limit to what we can know and theres so much out there that will we just never discover.another one that scares me is that we are all alone on this floating rock. i doubt we are the only intelligent life in this universe but its possible that we are in a sense and that it self scares me so much.starfire1905

27. Gamma blasts scare the c**p out of me they could happen at any time and nothing can stop them

wetlettuce42

28. When you get rabies and didn't get treated until the symptoms show up, you're dead.

When you experience single symptom of rabies you're already dead, there's nothing you can do about it. Also rabies symptoms can take long to show up, the incubation period for rabies can last up to years. So if you were bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies years ago, the symptoms could show up right now and you will die.567stranger

29. We’re either alone in this universe or we’re not

HalfChineseJesus

30. There are between 6-10 nuclear missiles that are missing. No sovereign nation has a clue where they are, or who has control of them.

PatMenotaur

Embracing knowledge is akin to opening doors to unexplored territories, unraveling the fabric of reality and revealing the intricate threads that weave our existence. Ignorance might offer a semblance of simplicity, but it's the pursuit of understanding that ignites the flames of curiosity and drives us to uncover the hidden complexities that surround us.

Psychological Analysis

This discussion reflects a common human tendency to avoid discomfort. However, recognizing the value of confronting difficult realities can be transformative, leading to personal growth and enhanced coping skills.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, while ignorance may provide temporary relief, it often leads to greater distress in the long run. Research supports the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths as a pathway to resilience and personal growth. By fostering community engagement and utilizing coping strategies, individuals can navigate challenging information with greater ease and understanding.

Psychological Analysis

This collection of scary scientific facts illustrates how our perceptions of reality can be distorted by fear and ignorance. It's essential to recognize that confronting these fears through education and dialogue can lead to more informed decision-making and healthier emotional responses. Promoting critical thinking is key to navigating these complexities.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the psychological dynamics behind fear and ignorance is crucial for promoting healthier responses to alarming information.

As highlighted by various studies, fostering critical thinking and open dialogue can significantly diminish fear and anxiety in communities.

Encouraging education around scientific topics not only empowers individuals but also enhances collective resilience in the face of uncertainty.