Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
29 Things People Once Believed Only To Discover It Was Propaganda All Along
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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
McDonald's coffee lawsuit. That woman was seriously hurt, and I hate that I ever believed otherwise.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
The point was that the company had been warned over and over by its own safety experts. Knowing there is a danger and doing nothing about it is the textbook definition of negligence.
RELATED:
#2
Republicans are better with the economy. They’re factually not better. Their goal is to the make the rich more rich, that’s pretty much it.
Even Trump is on record saying the democrats are better with the economy.
John Dilligaf 1 month ago
Trickle Down Economy is the most evil trick the Republicans ever pulled on the American public. I know people who still swear that it's true and that enriching the rich will "lift all boats".
#3
That diamond engagement rings are some ancient, timeless tradition. i was floored when i learned the whole concept was invented by a De Beers marketing team in the 1930s.
Lee Gilliland 1 month ago
Until then, you generally got your favorite gemstone or your birthstone. And diamonds are far from rare - de Beers again, holding them off the market for a price rise. An engagement ring from a pawnbroker costs essentially market and is several thousand dollars cheaper.
Propaganda has been messing with our heads for centuries. From ancient empires to modern media, the art of persuasion has always been about one thing: control. Not through force, but through storytelling that hits you right in the feels. Whether it's being used for war, politics, or convincing you to buy those overpriced sneakers, propaganda thrives on one universal human weakness: our desperate need to belong.
The word “propaganda” actually comes from the Latin “Congregatio de Propaganda Fide” or “Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.” It was coined by the Catholic Church back in 1622 to promote missionary work. At the time, it wasn't sinister at all. It literally just meant spreading ideas around. But over time? Yeah, it morphed into something way darker: persuasion with a hidden agenda lurking below.
#4
That Columbus was a neat guy who came over looking to see what was out there, and made friends with the natives. I remember learning this in kindergarten, we drew pictures of our favorite of his 3 ships. .
Michael Largey 1 month ago
All of the horrible things we hear about Columbus doing come straight from his own reports and diaries.
#5
That "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!" was how we'd save the planet. We need *real*, *hardcore* legislation that prioritizes the environment, not fluffy sayings and green-washing, smoke-blowing consumer/voter blaming.
#6
Personal carbon footprints were created by the oil industry to offload the burden of decarbonization from themselves to consumers.
Jaywalking was invented by the auto industry to create a stigma around walking as a mode of transit.
LizzieBoredom 1 month ago
I want to know what Jay did which caused an entire misdemeanor to be named after him.
Propaganda works by skipping reason and appealing to emotion. And fear, pride, anger, and hope? Those are its greatest hits. During World War I, posters like “I Want You for U.S. Army” didn’t provide facts; they created urgency. In World War II, German propagandists turned emotional manipulation into a terrifying art form, basically weaponizing propaganda into mass belief control.
But why do people fall for it? Basically, we're wired to trust repetition, visuals, and social proof. When we see the same message again and again, especially from authority figures or people we respect, our brains start to accept it as truth. The painful fact is that familiarity breeds belief, not skepticism.
#7
The MSG myths.
Roadside_Prophet replied:
I love how many people swear to this day, even the tiniest amount of MSG in chinese food makes them sick, yet they can put down an entire bag of doritos in 1 sitting without batting an eye.
Just because your food doesn't advertise on the front of the package that it contains MSG doesn't mean it isn't a major ingredient.
They usually label it as monosodium glutamate (which is what MSG stands for), and people dont even realise they are eating it all the time. It's the secret ingredient that makes a lot of things extra delicious.
#8
America was the best country on the planet good and true made and ran for the people.
#9
I would say the propaganda about saturated fat and cholesterol.
I grew up thinking foods like margarin and sugary cereals were healthier than an egg.
Social media has turned propaganda into a global sport. Algorithms reward outrage, and repetition spreads faster than reflection. Modern propaganda doesn’t come from governments alone; it comes from influencers, corporations, and digital echo chambers. The line between advertising, activism, and straight-up manipulation has basically disappeared. We just casually call it "content" now and keep doomscrolling.
The scariest part? Propaganda often starts with good intentions. Governments used it during World War II to boost morale and encourage unity. Health organizations use it to promote vaccines or help folks quit smoking. The difference between helpful persuasion and dangerous manipulation boils down to one critical question: who's actually benefiting from what you believe?
#10
The food pyramid.
redsnowdog5c replied:
The original food pyramid was pretty much plant based. The meat and dairy lobby had their way with it
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
I'd say the Grain industry are the biggest culprits. 11 servings of grains and only 3-5 vegetables?!
#12
"Al Gore wants to [end] your baby sister in your mommy's tummy" -my mom, circa 1996, pregnant with my strong, courageous and lovely little sister.
What a gross, misguided thing to say to a 4 year old. Just because the man was pro-choice.
It's one of my first memories, alongside a gnarly storm in the same house.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
No, ma'm, he wanted you to have a choice. But I can see why you shouldn't be trusted with many choices.
Propaganda has toppled empires and built cults. During the Cold War, both sides weaponized film, art, and radio to win hearts. Even ancient Egyptian pharaohs carved propaganda into stone.
Psychologists say resisting propaganda takes cognitive effort. That’s why critical thinking is rare: it demands slowing down in a world that rewards quick reactions. And here's the ironic part: the more certain you feel about something, the more likely you're already under propaganda's influence. Confidence isn’t proof anymore; it’s conditioning.
#13
That my Halloween candy would have [substances] and razorblades in them.
Sue Mullen Andersen 1 month ago
Or that people will purposely hand out Gummy THC candy to your child. Seriously, those are really expensive to just give away...and no one likes your kids that much!
#14
News reporters. I once gave an interview to a journalist about a topic I was representing. The published article shared almost nothing in common with what I actually said. They wrote the article they wanted and picked a couple quotes from what I said to make it sound like I was saying what they wanted said. That’s when I realized nothing I read in the news was true.
#15
As a native Texan I was taught that the Texas Revolution happened because of land rights. In reality it was largely because slavery was illegal in Mexico and Texas settlers wanted slaves. They don't really talk about that part in school.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Mexico had abolished slavery, but gave its province of Texas an extra two years to get rid of its slaves. (This was because Mexico had originally encouraged American immigrants to Texas to bring their slaves with them.) Instead the Texas slaveholders spent those two years preparing for war, eventually establishing a white supremist regime which still governs the area.
Ultimately, propaganda isn’t just about "them"; it’s about us, too. It reveals what we want to believe, what we fear, and how easily truth can be shaped by repetition. Awareness doesn’t make us immune, but it helps. So, the next time a headline feels too satisfying, pause and consider. You might just be reading what someone wants you to think.
What do you think of the propaganda people fell for in this list? Upvote the ones you thought were the most “What the heck?!” and feel free to leave a comment if you can relate!
#16
That different zones of the tongue correspond to different sensations (sweet, sour, spicy, etc).
This was taught in middle school, and I tested it out myself with a candy Warhead during lunch. I felt like an idiot for believing it, even just for a few hours.
I have no idea who convinced every elementary school to teach this like it was a real thing (or why they did so). It flew in the face of common sense and could be easily disproved by anyone!
#17
That Hawaii became the 50th state of the U.S. voluntarily.
Anon replied:
That's not exactly true, though you have the right idea... Like almost every other state of the union, it became a state voluntarily, but before that it became a territory of the US through brutal bloodshed of native peoples.
About 93% of Hawaiians voted to become a state in 1959, but native Hawaiians only represented ~15% of the population at the time.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
President Grover Cleveland refused to annex Hawaii because it was such a bloody land grab. His successor, William McKinley, had no such scruples.
#18
HR is there to support the employees.
oxsprinklesxo replied:
HR exists to protect the company from legal action from its employees. Under the false assumption they are protecting the employees from the company.
Michael Largey 1 month ago (edited)
Any department that proclaims in its title that humans are to regarded only as company resources is not on the side of the employees.
#19
As a child of the 80s, what the hell wasn't I told that wasn't propaganda? I mean certainly in school. The number of times you find out teachers oversimplified things or flat out lied because it was inconvenient was astounding.
Everything from America's founding forward was pretty much lies or dramatic coverage of the darker truths.
#20
*Go Ask Alice.* A book allegedly made of a diary of an anonymous girl who was [dependent on substances], published by her parents post-mortem. Except... that wasn't true. It is alleged it as a push to get teens to accept an anti-[substance] message from a more "peer" source instead of an adult. I mean, it worked on me as a kid LOL. I remember how it resonated with me. Now it is listed under fiction.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
I was 20 when the book came out. I never heard or read of anyone who didn't know it was fiction.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#24
All rich people must be smart!
😐.
#25
That "rights" exist. They are very easy to take away. We have privileges, at best. .
#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.
#27
That paid closed source software is more secure than free open source software.
#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.
Ellinor she/they/elle 1 month ago (edited)
When I lived in Montpellier (big city in South of France) I would always avoid the cops by safety. I'm half-black and there has been more and more cases of police violence on people like me so I'm not taking any risks.
#29
"breakfast is most important meal of the day" which turns out to be one of many successes of marketing propaganda.
Ellinor she/they/elle 1 month ago
Yeah but it's one of the only meals where it's socially acceptable to only eat sugary food so I'll take it. That and the goûter of course.
What do you think ?
Kelly Scott 1 month ago (edited)
People are still trying to sell me the b******t reason that CEOs are paid so much is because they're so smart and they do so much for their companies. Most CEOs couldn't even do the job their lowest paid employee does without screwing it up. Which means they really don't know jack about what their company actually does.
Mook The Mediocre 1 month ago
"*Go Ask Alice.* A book allegedly made of a diary of an anonymous girl who was [dependent on substances], " --- So now Panda is rewriting people's text? --- Changing " a****téd" to "[dependent on substances]"? --- Is Panda a Mormon offshoot, or just a Moron offshoot? I hate Panda Politics.
he_aint_heavy 1 month ago
"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" - a saying meant to shame you into working harder when the phrase is actually about a literally impossibility. Also - employees need to be in an office 9 hrs a day, preferably a cubicle farm with no privacy, in order to be productive. Yeah, that and "corporate culture" means you must commute and sit at a desk while attending virtual meetings.
Kelly Scott 1 month ago (edited)
People are still trying to sell me the b******t reason that CEOs are paid so much is because they're so smart and they do so much for their companies. Most CEOs couldn't even do the job their lowest paid employee does without screwing it up. Which means they really don't know jack about what their company actually does.
Mook The Mediocre 1 month ago
"*Go Ask Alice.* A book allegedly made of a diary of an anonymous girl who was [dependent on substances], " --- So now Panda is rewriting people's text? --- Changing " a****téd" to "[dependent on substances]"? --- Is Panda a Mormon offshoot, or just a Moron offshoot? I hate Panda Politics.
he_aint_heavy 1 month ago
"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" - a saying meant to shame you into working harder when the phrase is actually about a literally impossibility. Also - employees need to be in an office 9 hrs a day, preferably a cubicle farm with no privacy, in order to be productive. Yeah, that and "corporate culture" means you must commute and sit at a desk while attending virtual meetings.
Related on Bored Panda
