Mankato Writer Tries EMF-Blocking Hat to Ward Off Brain Fog

Conspiracy theories and the search for a solution to modern malaise lead to an underwhelming purchase.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:03am

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen prints of a gray knit beanie with a silver fabric lining, conceptually representing the writer's purchase of an EMF-blocking hat that failed to live up to its promises.A consumer's search for a solution to modern malaise leads to an underwhelming purchase of an EMF-blocking hat.Mankato Today

A freelance writer in Mankato, Minnesota, decided to try an EMF-blocking hat after reading about the potential health risks of electromagnetic fields. While intrigued by the idea, the writer was ultimately disappointed when the hat didn't fit properly and didn't seem to provide any noticeable benefits.

Why it matters

This story highlights the human tendency to be drawn to conspiracy theories and unproven solutions, especially when dealing with vague health concerns like brain fog. It also touches on the power of targeted advertising and the willingness of some consumers to spend money on products that claim to provide protection from invisible threats.

The details

The writer, Nell Musolf, came across an ad on Facebook about the dangers of EMFs and the potential benefits of wearing clothing designed to block these invisible waves. Intrigued, Musolf decided to purchase an EMF-blocking hat, despite acknowledging that most conspiracy theories are "pretty outlandish." The hat, a gray knit beanie with a silver fabric lining, cost Musolf nearly $80. However, when the hat arrived, it didn't fit properly, and Musolf didn't notice any significant changes in her brain fog or energy levels, even after wearing it faithfully for several weeks.

  • Musolf came across the EMF-blocking hat ad on Facebook.
  • Musolf purchased the hat, which took a long time to arrive.
  • Musolf wore the hat around the house for a few weeks after receiving it.

The players

Nell Musolf

A freelance writer based in Mankato, Minnesota, who decided to try an EMF-blocking hat after reading about the potential health risks of electromagnetic fields.

Mark

Musolf's husband, who also received an EMF-blocking hat from Musolf but didn't report any major changes in his thinking patterns, though he liked the hat for keeping his head warm at night.

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What’s next

If Musolf ever finds an EMF-blocking beanie in size XL, she may consider purchasing it, as she is still not convinced that people are not surrounded by invisible waves that are affecting their health, even if she remains skeptical of most conspiracy theories.

The takeaway

This story highlights the human tendency to be drawn to unproven solutions, especially when dealing with vague health concerns, and the power of targeted advertising to convince consumers to spend money on products that claim to provide protection from invisible threats, even if the benefits are ultimately underwhelming.