In recent times, pseudo-scientific concepts have appeared on the Internet from time to time. One day it is called “quantum healing”, tomorrow it is “cell awakening”, and the day after tomorrow it is “meteorite energy”. How can we ordinary people identify and prevent it?
In 2019, a piece of news aroused heated public opinion: a training institution launched a “Quantum Wave Speed Reading” course, claiming that children can read 100,000 words in 1 to 5 minutes by quickly turning the pages of a book, and can even perceive the content with their eyes closed. The course fee is as high as 40,000 USD.
In the same year, a woman in Inner Mongolia spent 3,999 yuan to purchase a “quantum low-frequency resonance water cup”, convinced that the cup could “convert ordinary water into quantum water” and clean up blood waste after drinking. However, his mother’s health condition not only failed to improve, but treatment was delayed as a result.
Around 2024, someone else used the banner of “quantum empowerment” to deceive farmers by claiming that quantum technology could be used to empower seeds to increase production and income.
From “quantum water cups” and “quantum mattresses” to “quantum entanglement healing” and “quantum consciousness enhancement”… In these absurd cases, the “quantum” concept, which was originally at the forefront of modern physics, is being packaged as an omnipotent “universal technology” by unscrupulous merchants.
The government has also issued consumer warnings many times: almost all daily consumer products branded as “quantum” are scams.
So, why does the concept of “quantum” attract scammers?
In fact, the reason why the public is easily misled lies in the dual role of scientific cognitive threshold and psychological needs. On the one hand, the basic concepts of “superposition” and “entangled state” in quantum physics are contrary to daily experience and are highly abstract and difficult to understand; on the other hand, scammers have accurately grasped health anxiety, technology worship and greed.
So, what is the essence of quantum mechanics? What should real quantum technology look like? What tactics did the scammers use? How should we identify and prevent it? I hope this article can help more people see clearly the “quantum myths” disguised as science.
01｜The true face of quantum is not what you think
Quantum is a kind of microscopic particle?
To see through the “quantum” scam, we first need to clarify a fundamental misunderstanding: quantum is not a specific physical particle, not a mysterious energy that can be “injected” into a water glass.
The word “quantum” comes from the Latin word quantus, meaning “how much”. In 1900, the German physicist Planck discovered that energy does not change continuously during the interaction between radiation and matter, but is distributed discretely. He named this smallest unit “energy quanta”. In 1905, Einstein further pointed out that the energy of light radiation itself is quantized, and each part corresponds to a “photon.” Since then, the concept of “quantum” has officially entered the mainstream of physics.
From a scientific definition, quantum is not a specific microscopic particle, but the smallest unit that characterizes the characteristics of matter or physical quantity. To be more precise, quantum is the smallest unit that changes discretely, that is, physical quantities (such as energy) can only change in integral multiples of the smallest unit. Photons, electrons and even atoms all exhibit quantum characteristics. They follow the laws of quantum mechanics, including the well-known “superposition” (a particle can be in multiple states at the same time) and “entangled” – a special connection between two or more particles, no matter how far apart, measuring the state of one will instantly affect the other. Einstein once called entanglement “spooky action at a distance,” but a large number of experiments have proven its reality.
It should be noted that quantum entanglement is a characteristic between microscopic particles and has no direct relationship with blood, emotion, or consciousness. Someone once published a paper claiming that quantum entanglement can be used to explain “mutual control of immediate family members”, but quantum physics experts clearly pointed out that this is “a very irresponsible abuse of quantum theory.”
Does quantum mechanics also apply to daily life environments?
Any scientific theory has its scope of application. Quantum mechanics mainly describes the microscopic world, but it usually behaves as classical mechanics at the macroscopic scale, so it is difficult for us to directly observe obvious quantum effects in daily life. The main reasons are as follows:
Quantum effects are extremely fragile: maintaining the superposition state of qubits must be achieved under extreme conditions. Whether it is the near-absolute zero (-273.15°C) required by superconducting circuits or the ultra-high vacuum and precise laser control required by the ion trap solution, the conditions are extremely demanding. Once outside these environments, quantum states instantly “decoher” – like ice cubes leaving a refrigerator and rapidly melting.
Why is it difficult to find quantum effects in the macroscopic world: Why can’t we see “superposed” people or “entangled” cups? Because macroscopic objects contain so many particles, quantum effects are extremely diluted. Physicists make an analogy: This is equivalent to all humans tossing coins at the same time and all landing heads – the probability is so small that it can be ignored.
Therefore, it is not credible that a glass of water or a mattress in daily life can claim to have quantum effects that can “improve human body functions.” At present, although quantum technology has important applications in fields such as quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing, in the field of medical and health care, only quantum precision measurement instruments (such as magnetoencephalography equipment) are in the early stages of clinical application, and there are no civilian products that can directly “health care” or “treat diseases.” If someone is promoting a “quantum water cup”, you might as well ask: Under what extreme conditions does the cup need to work? If not, how can it produce quantum effects?
02｜Real quantum technology is beyond the reach of scammers
A real quantum instrument is not a simple device that can be purchased for a few hundred yuan, but a “national treasure” hidden deep in the laboratory. Next, we will briefly introduce a few, so that everyone will know what they are.
Quantum computers: different forms, but equally “delicate”
Quantum computer technology has different routes, but no matter what solution is adopted, it is inseparable from the support of extreme environments.
Superconducting quantum computers are currently one of the most mainstream technological routes, and companies such as Google and IBM are actively developing them. Its core chip is placed at the bottom of the dilution refrigerator, with an operating temperature as low as 10 millikelvin (-273.14°C), which is colder than outer space. Surrounded by dense microwave cables and control circuits, the entire system covers an area of tens of square meters and costs tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ion trap quantum computers are another important technology route. It uses electromagnetic fields to “trap” individual charged atoms (ions) in a vacuum and controls them with precision lasers. This system is also huge: an ultra-high vacuum cavity, a complex laser optical path, and a sophisticated electronic control system. It has extremely high requirements for environmental stability. Any small vibrations will interfere with the ion state.
Neutral atom quantum computers have developed rapidly in recent years. It uses laser beams to form “optical tweezers” to capture neutral atoms one by one, arrange them accurately, and then control them through lasers. This system also requires ultra-high vacuum and precise optical paths, and often occupies an entire room in the laboratory.
Although the technical routes are different, all quantum computers have something in common: their operation depends on extreme environments, requires a team of top scientists, and is extremely expensive to build. At present, these devices are mainly used in specific fields such as code deciphering, material simulation, and drug research and development, and are still far away from ordinary people’s lives.
Atomic clock: The “keeper of time” with an error of only one second in 30 billion years
Atomic clocks utilize the extremely stable characteristics of atomic energy level transition frequencies to achieve humanity’s most accurate time measurement. The most advanced strontium lattice clock has an accuracy of less than 1 second every 30 billion years – if it has been running since the beginning of the Big Bang, the error will be less than half a second. The Beidou navigation system relies on it to ensure positioning accuracy, and 5G communication synchronization, financial transactions, basic physics research and other fields are also inseparable from atomic clocks. A high-performance atomic clock can easily cost millions of dollars, making it out of reach for ordinary people.
Quantum magnetometer: a “mind-reading artifact” that can “see” the brain
The sensitivity of the quantum magnetometer is as high as one billionth of the earth’s magnetic field. It can detect the weak magnetic field generated by the activity of brain neurons and draw magnetoencephalograms, which can be used for the diagnosis of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases. However, such equipment is bulky and expensive, and needs to be operated in a multi-layer magnetically shielded room and operated by professionals. Quantum gravimeters are mainly used in mineral exploration, volcano monitoring and submarine detection, serving the fields of national defense and scientific research.
03｜Three basic characteristics of quantum technology
From the perspective of technology research and development, quantum applications in the true sense mainly have the following three characteristics:
Harsh environmental dependence: Quantum states are easily collapsed in conventional environments and must rely on extreme conditions such as ultra-low temperature, ultra-high vacuum, and precise laser control.
High investment and high threshold: the cost of a single set of equipment ranges from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of yuan, and team building also requires the gathering of experts from multiple fields.
Specific application scenarios: Currently, it is mainly concentrated in professional fields such as basic scientific research, national defense, finance, and cutting-edge medical diagnosis, and has not yet entered the “civilianization” stage.
In a word: If you can buy a “quantum product” for a few hundred yuan on an e-commerce platform, it can never be real quantum technology. The promotion of “quantum bracelets” and “quantum insoles” on the market is essentially a gimmick that takes advantage of the public’s unfamiliarity with the concept of quantum.
04｜How to identify “quantum scams”?
After understanding the real quantum science, let’s take a look at the classic tricks of scammers.
The first step: terminology grafting – using scientific terms as “universal plaster”
Scammers borrowed terms such as “quantum”, “entanglement” and “superposition” from physics textbooks, grafted them on ordinary products at will, and concocted gimmicks such as “quantum energy water cup”, “quantum mattress” and “quantum facial mask”. Their words are often: “splitting water molecules using quantum energy fields” and “adjusting the human body’s magnetic field through quantum entanglement”… The scientific loopholes are obvious:
First, “quantum energy” is a made-up concept—the term doesn’t exist in physics. Academician Pan Jianwei once clearly pointed out that the so-called “quantum pendants” and “quantum insoles” on the market are all scams.
Secondly, quantum effects are limited to microscopic scales and cannot change the material structure of macroscopic objects at room temperature. The so-called “quantum water” cannot even break the hydrogen bonds of water molecules.
Third, this type of propaganda never provides quantitative indicators (such as specific values of changes in magnetic field strength), but only uses vague terms such as “improvement” and “conditioning”, because once quantitative verification is carried out, its false propaganda will be exposed.
The second tip: Forged authority – fictitious expert identity and false certification
You may see promotional phrases such as “certified by the International Quantum Association”, “jointly developed by a certain university”, “strongly recommended by quantum experts”, accompanied by photos in white coats and English certificates. However, it has been verified that the “International Quantum Association” is a fabrication; the so-called partner universities have never participated in the research and development of this product; the “experts” in the photos are either stolen from the Internet or hired actors. Genuine scientific research institutions, experts and scholars will never endorse such products.
The third action: Case fiction – making up stories about miraculous curative effects
Scammers made up touching stories: “A cancer patient’s tumor disappeared after drinking quantum water”, “An old man was able to walk after using a quantum mattress”… accompanied by photos, videos and even “medical records”. However, these stories fail to provide real medical records and third-party medical verification, taking advantage of information gaps so that consumers cannot verify, and attribute natural recovery or placebo effects to the product. If it is so magical, why not apply for the Nobel Prize? Why don’t hospitals introduce it?
05｜The “universal shield” that cannot be falsified
In fact, quantum scams have a deeper logical trap – non-falsification. This concept comes from the philosopher of science Popper, who pointed out: Whether a theory is scientific does not depend on whether it can be verified, but on whether it can be falsified. That is, there must be a possible observation or experiment that proves the theory to be wrong.
When you question the effects of quantum products, scammers often make excuses like: “This is higher-dimensional science. Just because you can’t see it with the naked eye, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” “Quantum principles cannot be explained by classical physics. It’s normal that you don’t understand.” “The effects vary from person to person. Some people are sensitive and some are not. You can’t deny it just because you don’t feel it.”
These words sound mysterious and mysterious, but if you think about it carefully, you will find that in fact, they cannot be falsified. If you say quantum water is ineffective, the scammer can say “your body’s frequency does not match the product.” No matter what evidence you present, they can find excuses because there is no possibility of their claims being “overturned.”
Any formal medical product or technology must go through clinical trials, double-blind testing, peer review, and let the data speak for itself. If a “quantum product” can always be defended by “mysterious” reasons and can never produce verifiable quantitative indicators, then it is essentially a pseudo-scientific scam just like “perpetual motion machines” and “elixirs of life.”
06｜A fraud prevention guide for readers
Take a look at the threshold: Do you need ultra-low temperature and ultra-high vacuum? It can produce “quantum effects” just by leaving it at room temperature, which is almost certainly a scam.
Second, look at the purpose: for scientific research, national defense or daily health care? Any direct-to-consumer “quantum product” is questionable.
Third, look at the efficacy: Are there any quantitative indicators? If you just use vague expressions such as “conditioning” and “improvement” without specific research and data, it is false propaganda.
Fourth, look at the background: Are the so-called “experts” and “certifications” reliable? Real scientific research institutions and experts will not endorse such products.
The fifth is to check the official platform: when you encounter “high-tech” products that you are not sure about, you can find authoritative channels for verification.
Conclusion
The real quantum technology is the sea of stars that will change the future of mankind – it exists in the day-and-night research of laboratory scientists, in the atomic clocks of the Beidou satellites, and in the communication network that protects national information security. It will not and should not be a “miracle water” that cures all diseases in the hands of scammers, a “financial management code” that makes you rich overnight, or a speed-reading myth that allows children to “open their eyes”.
If you find it difficult to read this long article, you can remember the simplest criterion: as of now, all civilian “quantum products” that claim to be able to cure diseases, maintain health, and improve health are all scams – because of real quantum technology, there are currently no civilian health products that can directly affect the human body.
Let science be science and let the scam be exposed – this is the greatest respect for science and the best protection for yourself.