Does changing a map scale change actual distances?

Answer 1

No changing the map scale does not change actual distances.

if you say that:

1inch = 1 mile

or you say

2inches = 2 miles

The scale changed but the distance between one city and the next city is still the same.

Answer 2

No, changing a map scale does not change the actual distances on the ground. It only changes the representation of those distances on the map. The scale ratio helps to accurately represent features in a smaller or larger proportion on the map compared to reality.