Generally speaking, most people are smart enough to know what’s real and what’s b.s. But when it comes to an internet “most” list, this is where people go completely stupid, simply assume that what they’re reading is absolutely 100% true, and never bother to ask why certain things on a “most” list are higher or lower.

Example 1: Most stolen car lists.

Lists of this type can be found easily, such as this one, this one, this one, this one, and so on.

A huge reason rarely mentioned about why certain cars are stolen more than others is because some are left outside while others are garaged. Obviously, the ones left outside will be stolen more often because they’re more accessible to thieves. And most-stolen lists don’t account for owner stupidity, such as leaving the car unlocked, windows rolled down, etc.

Example 2: Most used OS lists.

This one particularly applies to Linux users. On lists of most-used Linux, Ubuntu is usually on top. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Maybe Fedora, Slackware or openSUSE is better suited to what you want and/or need. Following the lemming mentality of “If everybody else is using [this distro], I will too” concerning the Linux you choose to run may work against you.

And if you’re asking, “How would I know which to pick then?”, the best answer I can give is to examine the community forums for a particular distro to see the typical problems reported, and moreover how the community treats those who need help. You can also do the old-fashioned way of trying out distros until you find one that suits you best.

Example 3: Most used application lists.

Rarely do I trust any “top” or “most” list for apps because it oftentimes skips software titles from SourceForge or other open source alternatives.

The best example I can give is instant messengers. Searching for most used instant messenger on Google will not reveal (not in plain sight anyway) multi-protocol software titles like Trillian, Pidgin, Digsby, Miranda, Adium and the like, so you really have to know what you’re looking for in that department, so to speak.

Explained better: Just because many people use the Windows Live Messenger service does not mean everybody is using the Windows Live Messenger app. Several could be using one of the multi-protocol software titles above and connect that way.

Other most-used app lists will show paid titles first (and sometimes nothing else).

The next time you’re reading a “most” list, use common sense and don’t take it as absolute truth. Granted, some of these lists have legitimate proof to back up their claims (and I sincerely appreciate that when it happens), but many of them don’t.