Myth check
Simplified and Traditional are interchangeable for beginners.
They are related writing systems; learners should pick one primary track.
Verdict
context
Why
Mainland materials and this site use Simplified Keep evidence from your own listening and speaking practice, not from fear stories.
Many characters are identical; many are not Keep evidence from your own listening and speaking practice, not from fear stories.
Switching constantly early on slows recognition Keep evidence from your own listening and speaking practice, not from fear stories.
Test the better framing with a short practice drill the same day you read this myth.
Better framing
Choose Simplified or Traditional based on your goals, then stay consistent at first.
Practice tip
Practice tip: after reading “Simplified and Traditional are interchangeable for beginners.”, do one concrete drill from the better framing—speak aloud for five minutes using related words or tones.