Have you ever noticed how most privacy advice online comes in extremes?
Either:
- “You’re being watched constantly,” or
- “Just don’t worry about it.”
Neither is very helpful.
Over the years, I’ve seen a handful of privacy myths stick around stubbornly — not because people are foolish, but because the technology changed faster than our understanding of it.
Let’s clear up a few of the biggest ones.
Myth #1: “Private Browsing Means No One Can See Me”
Private browsing does one main thing:
- it doesn’t save history on your device
That’s it.
It does not:
- hide activity from websites
- hide activity from your internet provider
- make you anonymous
- stop tracking entirely
Private browsing is about local convenience, not privacy from the outside world.
It’s useful — just not magical.
Myth #2: “If I Use a VPN, I’m Anonymous”
VPNs are one of the most misunderstood tools out there.
A VPN:
- encrypts traffic between you and the VPN provider
- hides your activity from your local network or ISP
It does not:
- make you anonymous to websites you log into
- prevent tracking cookies
- erase your digital identity
A VPN can improve security and sometimes privacy — but it doesn’t replace good habits or erase who you are online.
Myth #3: “My Device Listens to Me All the Time”
This one comes up a lot, usually after a very specific ad appears.
Modern devices are heavily restricted:
- microphones require permission
- access is logged and controlled by the operating system
- constant recording would drain batteries and trigger alarms
What’s usually happening instead:
- data inference
- search and browsing patterns
- location and demographic signals
It feels like listening — but it’s almost always pattern matching.
Myth #4: “Apple / Google / Microsoft Doesn’t Track Me”
Every major platform collects data.
They just differ in:
- how much
- how it’s used
- how transparent they are
- how much control they give you
No ecosystem is “tracking-free.”
Some are simply better at privacy by design than others.
Understanding the differences matters more than brand loyalty.
Myth #5: “If I Lock Things Down Enough, I’ll Be Safe”
This one sneaks up on people.
Extreme privacy setups often:
- break normal functionality
- get slowly undone out of frustration
- create a false sense of security
Privacy you abandon doesn’t protect you.
Sustainable habits beat theoretical perfection every time.
Why These Myths Stick Around
They persist because:
- privacy systems are invisible
- explanations are buried
- fear spreads faster than nuance
And because the internet rarely rewards calm, accurate explanations.
What Actually Helps Instead
Rather than chasing myths:
- understand what tools really do
- use fewer tools, more intentionally
- focus on habits you’ll keep
That’s where real privacy lives.
The Big Takeaway
If there’s one thing to remember:
👉 Privacy isn’t about secret tricks.
It’s about understanding tradeoffs and choosing deliberately.
Once you let go of the myths, the rest gets a lot less stressful.
What’s Coming Next
Next up:
Security Without Surveillance — How to Stay Safe Without Giving Up Everything
This is where we talk about avoiding “security theater.”