When you hear the phrase “10 things internet,” you probably expect a wild mix of quirky facts, absurd claims, and downright bizarre stories that somehow made their way onto our feeds. Unfortunately, many of these so‑called “facts” are nothing more than elaborate hoaxes that keep resurfacing despite being thoroughly debunked. In this roundup we’ll dissect each one, give you the real scoop, and sprinkle in a little humor along the way.
10 Things Internet Myths Debunked
10 Go To Sleep!
There’s a long‑standing rumor floating around the web that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supposedly gave the green light to a tranquilizer dart gun that can instantly put children to sleep. The story goes that a frazzled parent could simply aim the device at a restless kid, pull the trigger, and a dart would pierce the neck, sending the youngster straight into dreamland. For any sleep‑deprived parent, the idea sounds like a miracle solution to those endless bedtime battles.
In reality, the notion is utterly ludicrous. The FDA would never approve a weapon that essentially turns a child into a target for a sleep‑inducing projectile. Beyond the ethical nightmare, the logistics are absurd. So, while the rumor persists, the only viable remedy is something less lethal—perhaps letting Samuel L. Jackson read the irreverent bedtime book Go the F**k to Sleep aloud. That might just scare the little ones into surrendering to slumber.
9 Er, No, Stay Awake!
Back in 2017, a sensational article from the dubious “World Daily News Report” claimed that a morgue employee in Beaumont, Texas, was accidentally cremated because he fell asleep on a stretcher. According to the fabricated report, the exhausted worker was mistaken for a deceased patient, carted to the crematory, and incinerated at temperatures ranging between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, turning him to ash before anyone realized the mistake.
Fact‑checkers quickly exposed the story as a complete fabrication, noting that the “World Daily News Report” is notorious for sensationalist nonsense. Nevertheless, the tale keeps resurfacing on social media, serving as a bizarre cautionary reminder—never nap on the job, even if the rumor is entirely false.
8 Twinkie Time
Everyone’s heard the legendary claim that Twinkies are practically immortal, capable of surviving for years—some even say seven—without spoiling, and that they could outlast a nuclear apocalypse. The myth has persisted for decades, feeding on the snack’s reputation as a hyper‑processed, shelf‑stable treat.
The truth is far less glamorous: the official shelf life of a mass‑produced Twinkie is only about 25 days. After roughly three weeks on a store shelf, any unsold Twinkie is supposed to be pulled and discarded. In short, these golden sponge cakes don’t last months, let alone years, and the internet’s obsession with their supposed eternity is purely fictional.
7 Reject THIS!
College admissions are stressful, and in 2015 a viral Tumblr post claimed a high‑school senior named Siobhan O’Dell had been rejected by Duke University—so she fired back a rejection letter of her own, essentially “rejecting” Duke’s rejection. The story escalated when the post alleged that Duke responded by sending another rejection, creating a comical back‑and‑forth of denial letters.
Investigation revealed the entire saga to be fabricated. No such correspondence ever existed, and the original Tumblr post was simply a prank. While the rumor is amusing, it’s entirely fictional—no one can truly reject a university’s rejection with a rejection of their own.
6 Really Milking It…
Ever wondered why chocolate milk is brown? Some internet lore claims that the color comes from cow’s blood, suggesting that regular milk is “rejected” and turned into chocolate milk after being mixed with blood. Other versions assert that chocolate milk is produced by brown‑coated cows. Both explanations are wildly inaccurate.
The reality is far simpler: chocolate milk is made by blending ordinary cow’s milk with real cocoa and sweeteners. No blood, no brown cows—just milk and chocolate combined in a perfectly harmless way. Despite the persistence of these outlandish theories, the science is clear and the rumors remain unfounded.
5 Like Symptoms
A persistent myth claims that the flu vaccine actually contains live flu virus, meaning you’re inoculated with the very illness it’s meant to prevent. The rumor suggests that any post‑vaccination soreness or fever is a sign you’ve contracted the flu from the shot.In truth, flu vaccines contain inactivated (killed) virus particles that cannot cause illness. The mild side effects some people experience—like low‑grade fever or aches—are simply the immune system’s normal response to preparing defenses against the real flu. The CDC and WHO have debunked the myth repeatedly, but it still circulates online.
4 Cadbury Controversy
Cadbury’s chocolates are beloved worldwide, yet a disturbing rumor alleges that a Cadbury employee was arrested for adding HIV‑infected blood to the company’s sweets, supposedly aiming to infect millions of consumers. The claim sparked outrage and fear across social platforms.
Investigations show the story is entirely false—no Cadbury worker was ever arrested, and no evidence exists of blood being added to any product. This isn’t the first time a similar accusation has been leveled at a popular brand; similar rumors have targeted Pepsi and mango‑flavored drinks. In every case, the allegations have been baseless.
3 Rooted In Rumor
Root canals are dreaded dental procedures, and an alarming rumor suggests they dramatically increase the risk of terminal cancer. The claim implies that undergoing a root canal could set you on a path toward a lethal diagnosis.
Medical experts confirm there is no link between root canal therapy and cancer. In fact, maintaining good oral health, including necessary procedures like root canals, is associated with overall better health outcomes and longevity. The rumor is wholly unfounded and should be dismissed.
2 Spider Stupidity
This legend predates the internet but has endured through forums and social media. Supposedly, a woman in the 1950s kept an elaborate bouffant hairstyle for so long that it became a spider’s home. The story goes that the spider gave birth, and the newborn spider crawled down her hair and bit her while she slept, resulting in a fatal bite.
There is no documented case of a bouffant becoming a spider’s nest, nor any record of a fatal spider bite occurring in that manner. While certain spider species can be dangerous, the specific scenario described is entirely fictional.
The myth has evolved over decades, shifting from bouffants to hippie hair in the ’60s and dreadlocks in the ’90s, yet each iteration remains a fabricated cautionary tale about neglecting personal hygiene.
1 Spider Gum
Bubble Yum, the iconic chewing gum of the ’70s and ’80s, fell victim to a bizarre rumor claiming it was made from spider eggs, legs, or even webs. The tale suggested that the gum’s “chewy” texture was due to these arachnid ingredients.
Legal battles ensued, with the manufacturer reportedly spending over $100,000 defending the brand against the false claim. Despite the hefty legal expenses, the rumor persisted, illustrating how stubborn misinformation can be.
In reality, Bubble Yum contains standard confectionery ingredients—sugar, gum base, and flavorings—nothing to do with spiders. The internet continues to recycle the myth, but the facts remain clear and spider‑free.