[KoreaUrbanLegend] Cactus electromagnetic wave blocking theory

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Cactus

  

Cactus electromagnetic wave blocking theory

One of the urban legends that spread during the early days of PC communication in Korea was the claim that "cacti absorb and block electromagnetic waves emitted by monitors." This belief became widespread, and many people placed cacti next to their monitors, thinking they would block harmful electromagnetic waves. However, this belief has no scientific basis, and the truth is quite different.

1. The Directivity of Electromagnetic Waves and the Effect of Cacti

The first thing to understand is the nature of electromagnetic waves. These waves have directivity, which means that placing a cactus next to or above a monitor doesn't block or absorb them in any meaningful way. The claim that a cactus can block electromagnetic waves is fundamentally flawed. For electromagnetic waves to be shielded, direct intervention is needed, but simply placing a cactus nearby does not achieve this. If cacti did absorb electromagnetic waves, they would appear similar to black holes, which is obviously not the case.

2. The Myth of Cacti's Moisture Absorbing Electromagnetic Waves

Another claim supporting the idea of cacti absorbing electromagnetic waves is that "cacti store a lot of moisture, which helps absorb the waves." However, this is also an unfounded claim. If moisture were truly effective at absorbing electromagnetic waves, placing a water cup or fish tank would be just as, if not more, effective. The moisture inside a cactus does not have any significant impact on electromagnetic wave absorption, which makes this claim highly unscientific.

3. The Decline of the Cactus Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Myth

By the 2000s, the belief in cacti absorbing electromagnetic waves began to fade. However, some people still place cacti next to their monitors today. This belief has become increasingly irrelevant as electromagnetic wave-blocking technologies such as coated monitors and security glasses have become widespread. Modern monitors, compared to CRT models, emit minimal electromagnetic waves, and high refresh rates have reduced eye strain.

4. The Illusion of Electromagnetic Wave-Blocking Stickers

In addition to the cactus myth, similar pseudoscientific products such as "electromagnetic wave-blocking stickers" are also often sold in the market. These stickers claim to block electromagnetic waves, but basic scientific knowledge reveals that they do not work as advertised. If the stickers actually blocked electromagnetic waves, they would also render the communication functionality of the device useless. If you are concerned about electromagnetic waves, it would be better to avoid such products altogether.

Conclusion: The Importance of Scientific Thinking

The myth of cacti blocking electromagnetic waves is ultimately just an urban legend from the past. In today's world, it is essential to make decisions based on scientific knowledge and to avoid falling for pseudoscientific claims. With modern, scientifically validated products, there is no need to rely on myths. Understanding electromagnetic waves and their effects in a scientifically accurate way will help us make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary fears.

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