Let’s bust some tech myths wide open! I’ve heard them all, and it’s time to set the record straight to keep you ahead of the game.

Myth: 5G causes cancer.

Fact: Relax, folks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies have done extensive research and found no adverse health effects linked to 5G. It uses the same type of nonionizing radio frequencies as 4G and Wi-Fi, neither of which damage our DNA or cells.

Myth: Closing apps on your phone saves battery.

Fact: Both iOS and Android OS manage background apps efficiently, keeping them in a low-power state. Reopening an app consumes more energy than resuming it from this low-power state. Instead, lower your screen brightness, disable unnecessary notifications and use battery-saving modes.

Myth: More RAM means a faster computer.

Fact: While more RAM can improve multitasking, upgrading your hard drive from an HDD to an SSD will boost performance by reducing load times.

Myth: You should always let your phone’s battery drain fully before recharging.

Fact: Older nickel-cadmium batteries suffered from the “memory effect.” Completely draining a lithium-ion battery in today’s newer phones will shorten its lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries work best when kept charged between 20% and 80%.

Myth: Incognito mode keeps your browsing activity completely anonymous.

Fact: Incognito mode only prevents your browser from saving your history, cookies and form data. It doesn’t hide your activity from your ISP, your employer (if you’re using a work computer) or the websites you visit. For more comprehensive privacy protection, use a VPN.

Myth: You should always use your monitor’s highest resolution.

Fact: Higher resolutions require more graphics processing power, which can lead to lower frame rates. A resolution of 1080p or 1440p gives you a good balance between clarity and performance.

Myth: You need expensive HDMI cables for better quality.

Fact: HDMI is a digital signal, meaning the data either gets through or it doesn’t. There’s no difference between a $10 cable and a $100 cable for most home setups.

Myth: Public charging stations are safe to use.

Fact: Public charging stations can be a hotbed for “juice jacking,” where cybercriminals load malware onto your device via USB ports. To stay safe, use a USB data blocker or stick with your own charger and a cable plugged into a power outlet.

Phew, that was a lot to cover in such a short space. Here are more busted tech myths. Now, help another person and use the share icons below to spread the truth.

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Tags: battery, lithium-ion batteries