Propaganda has proven throughout history that it can be a powerful tool to pull the wool over people’s eyes and have them believe things that are fake, and in some cases, even deadly. Look no further than World War II to see just how devastating it can be.
Someone asked the internet, “What’s something you once believed only to later realize it was propaganda?” and netizens revealed the devious disinformation that had them fooled for years. Dive into this collection of some of the most jaw-dropping examples.
More info: Reddit
#21
That watering your lawn is going to make a difference in water use. We are all made guilty to take short showers and use water sparingly when corporations use millions and millions of gallons of water without restriction.
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16points
#22
Carrots improve night vision
Gaius_Catulus replied:
This is one of my absolute favorite myths because of its origin. So many interesting pieces of counterintelligence work during that era.
Edit: well I went to read more details including the link of the parent comment, and it seems I have myself fallen for the myth that the carrot story was intended primarily for counterintelligence! Apparently it was intended more to get the public to eat more carrots, so it really was more propaganda. Of course they also couldn't really come right and and say they had aircraft interception radar, so they had to come up a plausible-sounding story anyway, but it's very unlikely to fooled many Germans, if at all.
Gaius_Catulus replied:
This is one of my absolute favorite myths because of its origin. So many interesting pieces of counterintelligence work during that era.
Edit: well I went to read more details including the link of the parent comment, and it seems I have myself fallen for the myth that the carrot story was intended primarily for counterintelligence! Apparently it was intended more to get the public to eat more carrots, so it really was more propaganda. Of course they also couldn't really come right and and say they had aircraft interception radar, so they had to come up a plausible-sounding story anyway, but it's very unlikely to fooled many Germans, if at all.
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15points
#23
The “got milk” and how it helps make stronger bones. Turned it out they just had a surplus of dairy milk and were looking for the best way to sell it off on customers.
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15points
#25
That "rights" exist. They are very easy to take away. We have privileges, at best. .
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14points
#26
The War on [Substances]
In New York you would 15 to life on a non-violent first offense. No plea deals possible.
I grew up rural, assumed [substances] turned you into a [criminal]. City problems.
New York opened dozens of prisons in my area. Prison Guard is the most common job in my family.
If 85% go back to prison, it means it doesn’t work.
In New York you would 15 to life on a non-violent first offense. No plea deals possible.
I grew up rural, assumed [substances] turned you into a [criminal]. City problems.
New York opened dozens of prisons in my area. Prison Guard is the most common job in my family.
If 85% go back to prison, it means it doesn’t work.
11points
#27
That paid closed source software is more secure than free open source software.
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11points
#28
Police are always there to help.
TopSecretSpy replied:
Q: What do you call a cop that hasn't repeatedly perjured themselves, violated rights, and used excessive force without facing punishment?
A: Rookie.
TopSecretSpy replied:
Q: What do you call a cop that hasn't repeatedly perjured themselves, violated rights, and used excessive force without facing punishment?
A: Rookie.
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10points
#29
"breakfast is most important meal of the day" which turns out to be one of many successes of marketing propaganda.
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9points