Top 20+ 'Helpful' Ideas That Just Made Things Worse

Everybody wants to help. We're kind human beings after all! But if you don't know what you're doing, please stay away! You might be causing more harm than good. 

If you want to see how that might be you, check out this list of 20 'helpful' ideas that backfired hard. 

Antibacterial Soap

Yes, the goal of washing your hands is to get rid of bacteria. But antibacterial soap just creates stronger germs.

The Streisand Effect

In an effort to remove unauthorized photos taken of her property, Barbara Streisand sued a photographer. The photos rapidly spread thanks to the press’s coverage of the incident. Drawing attention to something you want covered up is now called the Streisand Effect.

Hybrid Cars

Studies show that hybrid drivers drive more than other car owners. Sure, you’d rather that happen in a hybrid. But NOT driving is the best things you can do.

Affirmations

Telling yourself to feel good often backfires since it’s human nature to argue with them.

Biofuel

As of right now, lots of biofuel is made with corn ethanol. This requires growing and watering mass amounts of corn. It also requires a harmful fertilizer and increases energy consumption.

Recycling

When done correctly recycling can greatly reduce waste. Unfortunately, hardly any city functionally recycles to the degree they could.

Charity Concerts

Like any massive fundraiser, the funds have to end up in the right place for things to make a difference. Putting on a concert is expensive and oftentimes donations just fund the concert.

The Cobra Bounty

In an effort to curb the Cobra population, the English colonial government in Delhi placed a bounty on Cobras. In response, breeders on the black market ultimately increased the cobra population.

Beat Bullying

England’s anti-bullying bracelet campaign resulted in its participants getting bullied at significantly higher rates.

Electric Cars

Sure, electric cars are better for the environment AFTER construction. But building batteries and mining for their materials is a damaging activity. Then, those materials have to be shipped around the world.

"Organic"

There is no evidence that organic produce is better for you.

Disaster Aid

Disaster aid is only helpful when it’s the right kind of aid. Your old toys and clothes probably aren’t going to help the children in need, and oftentimes so many people donate that manpower has to be diverted to sort through it all.

Awareness Campaigns

Any publicity is good publicity, right? In actuality, many “awareness” campaigns make people less likely to donate to the cause.

The Great Leap Forward

In the 1960s, Mao Zedong ordered farmers to kill sparrows in an attempt to keep them from eating crops. Instead, insect populations surged and had a devastating effect on harvests.

Reusable Grocery Bags

The idea to cut down on bag waste makes sense, but now we’re swamped in reusable bags. In addition, some studies show you have to use a more permanent bag over 7,000 times to make it a viable ecological alternative.

Charitable Penny Pinching

Sometimes charities operating like businesses is a good thing. The bigger they grow, the more people they can help, and sometimes that only happens with skillful workers who demand high salaries.

“Growing Locally”

Buying local product is great, but some things just aren’t as efficient to produce in certain areas. Trying to do so is harmful.

Donating Blood (After an Emergency)

Donation rates spike and dip after emergencies. Blood only lasts for around 40 days, so you’d be better donating during the dip a few months later.