DEBUNKED: Do We Truly Only Use 10% of Our Brains?

By: Angelina W.

The brain functions as the most important and complex organ in the human body. Our brains are responsible for processing information, controlling our thoughts, keeping memories, allowing motor skills, and sending signals to the rest of our bodies.  Without our brains, we would not be able to survive or function normally!

If our brains are so important, then why do we only use 10% of it?

Despite the complex and significant role of the brain in our bodies, a common misconception is that humans only use merely 10% of the brain. 

This kind of belief may occur from the idea that we have yet to explore further and “unlock” the actual potential of our brains. Our understanding of the brain is incomplete, leading us to believe that we have only been using a small portion of our brains. 

Another reason why this myth exists is because of media and pop culture. Many movies or TV shows showcase fictional characters with extraordinary abilities and superpowers by accessing the “untapped potential” of their brains. Such portrayal may suggest that we have the ability to be even greater, but that we are unable to achieve that state because we are not fully utilizing our brains.  

There are also times when we do not feel fully energized and feel there is “fog in our brains”. Such occasions add to the misconception that we only use a small portion of our brains as we are unfit to use 100% of our brainpower.

A belief among scientists that neurons only make up approximately 10% of the brain’s cellular composition may have also contributed to the increasing trust in the 10% myth. 

In 2013, a survey was conducted to discern how many Americans believe in myths about the brain. It was found that approximately 65 percent of Americans believe that people only use around 10% of their brain’s capacity daily. 

Even though most Americans believe in this myth, a study published in 2009 proves that this idea is false. To better explain how the brain works, researchers used the brain imaging technique, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures brain activity, to track a person’s brain activity when engaged in different activities. Researchers found that the majority of the brain seemed active during most tasks. Even when someone is performing a straightforward task, the brain is constantly working and active. Researchers have yet to find a region of the brain that is not working. 

Furthermore, numerous studies of brain damage cases have shown how significant each part of the brain is. If the 10% myth is true, that humans only use 10% of their brains, then it would mean that damage caused by the other 90% of the brain would not result in any neural disabilities. However, countless brain injury cases show that damage to any part of the brain can lead to consequential changes in a person’s speech, behavior, movement, etc. This proves that humans use more than just 10% of their brains.

Humans use more than 10% of their brains!

Works Cited

“New Survey Finds Americans Care About Brain Health, But Misperceptions Abound.” Michael J. Fox Foundation. 25 Sep . 2013. www.michaeljfox.org/publication/new-survey-finds-americans-care-about-brain-health-misperceptions-abound?id=484&category=7 Accessed 23 May 2024. 

Burgess, Lana. “What Percentage Of Our Brain Do We Use?”  Medical News Today. 21 July. 2023. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321060#the-10-percent-myth Accessed 23 May 2024.