With technology having become such a big part of our lives, it's no surprise that myths and misconceptions have arisen. Some of these have become more popular than others and still resonate with many of us today.So, what are the biggest tech myths out there?

1. The Web and Internet Are the Same

We often conflate the internet and the World Wide Web, but the two are different from one another.

The World Wide Web is a large system of data that can be accessed via the internet. In contrast, the internet itself is a huge global network consisting of smaller networks, which themselves consist of connected computers and other devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

In short, you use the internet, and therefore a browser, to access the World Wide Web, which holds all the information you need. Social media platforms, shopping websites, streaming services, and all other data can be found on the World Wide Web, with such information being sent and received using one of two transfer protocols known as HTTP and HTTPS.

2. AI Is Already Smarter Than Humans

Sci-fi movies and books have done nothing to ease the minds of those who believe that artificial intelligence is a threat. There has long since been a fear among the public that AI will one day take over human civilization or, in a less extreme scenario, make us all much lazier and complacent.

It's no secret that AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in our modern lives, with tools like ChatGPT showing just how advanced this technology has become. But regardless of what AI can already do for us, it is not yet smarter than us.

It's hard to gauge how intelligent AI is becoming in relation to humans because so many elements go into answering this question. It's not just what an AI system knows that determines how smart it is. Its ability to process language, use common sense and communicate effectively must also be considered.

At the moment, you can't really have a conversation with an AI system as if it were a human. Many AI chatbots can have human characteristics but cannot process information like a regular person.

A 2018 Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research paper stated that human-level machine intelligence (HLMI) has a 50 percent chance of occurring within 45 years. On top of this, the same paper estimated a ten percent chance of this phenomenon occurring within nine years.

So, AI isn't at our level yet, but it might not be long before we're staring a smarter being in the face.

3. Public Wi-Fi Is Harmless

It's natural to want an internet connection wherever you go, and public Wi-Fi often fulfills this wish. However, connecting to a public Wi-Fi network could be dangerous.

Public Wi-Fi networks are just that: public. This means that just about anyone can share the same connection. While most public Wi-Fi users are harmless and just want to browse the web when away from home, malicious actors are also commonplace in these situations.

On public Wi-Fi networks, criminals can intercept your connection to see what you're doing or what data you're sending and receiving. Valuable information, such as login credentials and payment card details, can be stolen by infiltrating the connection between a router and a device.

To avoid this, use a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi.

4. Closed Doors Block Wi-Fi Signals

There's nothing more frustrating than a poor or failed Wi-Fi connection, especially when you've important things to do. This is why many of us do what we can to keep our Wi-Fi signal as strong as possible.

Certain factors can skew a Wi-Fi connection, such as the presence of a lot of metal. Metal can weaken or even block Wi-Fi signals, as can ceramic tiles, concrete, and physical distance.

However, closing a PVC or wooden door shouldn't affect your Wi-Fi signal. This is a common myth that many still believe but generally isn't true. Creating the clearest path between your device and the router is always the best option, so there is something in that. But if your Wi-Fi signal is patchy, it's unlikely your door has anything to do with it.

Rather, there's probably one or more other factors weakening your Wi-Fi connection.

5. All Tech Jobs Require College Degrees

It's true that some people in the tech field, such as software developers and data scientists, have had to achieve a university degree to get where they are. In fact, many tech jobs require some degree, especially those that are higher up on the employment chain.

But this isn't the case across the board. There are many positions you may be able to attain without a degree, including...

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Web developer
• Digital marketer
• Front end developer
• Network engineer
• IT support specialist
• Graphic designer

Note that different companies will have different requirements for a role. Sometimes you'll see a position that requires a degree, and then you'll see the same post from another company that doesn't require one. Be that as it may, it is possible to enter the tech industry without a degree.

6. Tech Radiation Is Dangerous

You may have been told at some point that holding a phone near your head or placing a laptop on your lap can create health issues. Some even believe that this radiation can cause life-threatening illnesses like cancer. But is there any basis for this?

In short, the radiation emitted from your tech devices is not dangerous. Many devices, such as smartphones, use radio frequencies to communicate, but the level emitted is not concerning.

The American Food and Drug Association (FDA) has stated that "public health data show no association between exposure to radio frequency energy from cell phone use and health problems."

So, next time you've been on a long call and feel a little anxious about your phone's proximity, you can rest easy knowing you're not being put at risk.

7. Apple Products Don't Get Viruses

Many Apple product owners think they have the luxury of being impervious to viruses and malware. However, this isn't the case.

No devices are totally airtight when it comes to cybersecurity. Unfortunately, this is something that we all have to accept when using technology, and Apple users are no exception.

What has contributed to the prevalence of this myth is the fact that Apple devices have a robust and trusty antivirus system. It's not easy to infect an Apple device with viruses or malware, but it is undeniably possible, so keep this in mind.

8. You Won't Become a Cybercrime Target

It's easy to assume that cyberattacks only happen to other people. But in our current times, this is no longer the case.

Just about anyone can be targeted by a cybercriminal, be it through a phishing attack, social media hack, or simple blackmail. Malware and virus infections are also worryingly common, with Statista reporting 5.5 billion malware attacks in 2022 alone.

With such an incredibly high number of attacks occurring annually, it's pretty clear that it's not just high-profile figures and the odd unlucky individual getting targeted.

Cybercrime tactics are also becoming increasingly sophisticated. It's beyond easy to fall for a scam nowadays, with malicious websites looking almost identical to the originals and cybercriminals finding new ways to persuade victims to cooperate.

This is why you always need to take cybersecurity seriously. Antivirus programs, VPNs, and strong passwords can all protect you from nefarious individuals online.

Tech Myths Are Easy to Fall For

Don't be shocked if you believe one or more of the tech myths above. Rumors, misconceptions, and inaccuracies are very common in tech, so it's important to double-check any fact or claim to see if it is true.