Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.
J C
The biggest lies the online and social media industry is saying is that everyone is making major money. Half of it is prop money. Some of it money shared by the people around them to use in different videos. Some of it is lies. Only about 1% is really true. Read more>>
Courtney Johns
The biggest lie my industry tells you is that you have to show up perfect. I believe the opposite—showing up trying is what really connects with people. Being polished has its place, but the truth is, most of the people who appear to have it all figured out actually don’t. Authenticity, effort, and relatability go further than perfection ever could. Read more>>
Phil Shobo
One of the biggest lies the AI industry tells itself is that artificial general intelligence—AGI, superintelligence, whatever label you put on it—is the ultimate frontier. There’s a kind of God complex at play, a Tower of Babel energy where people believe we can recreate God by trying to implant a soul into machines. But AI can’t carry that weight. Read more>>
Trenton Pinkston
There seems to be a narrative by some music media and fans alike that if a piece of music or an artist is popular and puts up high numbers then that means it’s the highest quality product on the market. The same thing applies if an artist is smaller and not well known, then they must make subpar music. Read more>>
Shakirah Clark
In the makeup industry, one of the biggest lies is that beauty has to fit into one standard look — when in reality, makeup should be about enhancing individuality, not erasing it. In the bouquet and gift industry, the lie is that people only want traditional flowers. In truth, people are craving creativity, personalization, and memorable gifts that stand out. Read more>>
Alana Williams
So there was a lot of hate for the ‘Participation Trophy’ when people starting doing that, and I did actually agree back then but I see it a bit differently now. Every kid on the team should get a trophy at the end of the season. If you happen to win the championship you also get a ring. Read more>>
Hannah Meurer
The biggest lie the healthcare industry tells itself is that people are profit. Patients are treated like units to be “moved through” a system, with every interaction measured by how much money can be made—whether through insurance reimbursements, unnecessary procedures, or rushed appointments. That isn’t healthcare. The proof is right in front of us: our maternal morbidity and mortality rates have never been worse. Read more>>
ariesfoolmoon
The biggest lie you will hear as being an artist, of any kind, is that perfection exists. It doesn’t! As someone who mixes and masters my own music, I had to learn this quickly or maybe I would have been so discouraged and given up way early on. Read more>>
JC
Talent still matters. This is the biggest lie of the music industry. Talent is a plus; but money matters. If you don’t have proper funding, you can only get so far. Everything is an algorithm. Streaming pays fractions of pennies. Those who can pay more, play more in this business. Read more>>
Keionne Johnson
One of the biggest lies in this industry is that success is a ‘one size fits all’ that you have to copy what everyone else is doing to get noticed. That mindset kills creativity and authenticity. Too often, the focus is on polished, picture-perfect content, while the real work stays hidden. That’s why I love shooting behind-the-scenes videos. Read more>>
Asiyaa Emerii
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells is that perfection equals value. That if you have acne, hyperpigmentation, or body hair, you’re somehow less worthy—and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. With or without acne, you are still someone. Choosing to keep or remove body hair is personal, not a measure of hygiene or femininity. Read more>>
