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Seeing something cringeworthy is like watching a trainwreck. It’s uncomfortable and unpleasant, yet you can’t seem to take your eyes off of it. 

If this forgettable mishap happened in the digital realm, it may have been broadcast in the Cringetopia subreddit. As the name suggests, it’s an online group that immortalizes people’s embarrassing situations. 

We’ve collected some of the posts that stood out. These may amplify feelings of secondhand shame or induce a headshake of disappointment. Scroll through and see which resonates with you the most.

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    He's Also 1 Million Times More Useful Than She'll Ever Be

    He's Also 1 Million Times More Useful Than She'll Ever Be

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    Ge Po
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd rather have a partner who is generous, earns a steady income, who's concerned about my well-being and at the same time challenges me to become a better me, than some hot guy who only cares about his looks and popularity. Not that all hot guys are that way, but: looks does not the man make. Attitude does.

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    #3

    Keep Your Neck

    Keep Your Neck

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    Alexandra Nara
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so marry your stalker that don't accept your borders? Sound like a happy marriage 🙄🙄

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    We cringe because of vicarious embarrassment (a.k.a. secondhand shame). But according to clinical psychologist Dr. Marielle Collins, there is an upside to it. 

    “That’s the concept of empathy,” she said in an interview with the Cleveland Clinic. “Our brains are wired to be able to simulate the emotional experiences of other people and feel what another person is feeling.”

    #4

    Cultural Appropriation

    Cultural Appropriation

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    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not only that, the Japanese government made a statement that the man is a revered master and a honored friend of Japan for keeping ancient musical traditions alive. Also of note: Not only was the game and western developer praised by the Japanese for being a great representation of the actual Island and culture, the developers were made honorary ambassadors for setting up a donation drive to repair the islands historical locations after a big storm damaged the island.

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    #5

    The Woman Is The Cringe One Here, In Case Anyone Is Confused

    The Woman Is The Cringe One Here, In Case Anyone Is Confused

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    Livingwithcfs
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people just take things too far. If someone holds a door open for you just say thank you. It honestly doesn't matter if it's male or female because it's good manners. Getting in a s**t about it is bad manners

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    #6

    Gatekeeping... A Language?

    Gatekeeping... A Language?

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    Isabel Galvez
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm Spanish, Spanish is my native language and and very white. And also, there're lots of very white people in Latinoamerica.

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    But there’s also a reason why seeing something cringeworthy feels like listening to fingernails running down a chalkboard. Here’s an explanation from Dr. Collins: 

    “A lot of times, these feelings can come with anxiety and a fear of negative social evaluation. Anxiety can be distressing and may get in the way of whatever you’re doing in the moment.”

    #8

    Cringe Post Followed By A Funny

    Cringe Post Followed By A Funny

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    #9

    What Were They Thinking?

    What Were They Thinking?

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    Since secondhand embarrassment can be an anxiety trigger, Dr. Collins says it could be problematic if you’re already dealing with the disorder. 

    “Witnessing someone else experiencing embarrassment could increase anxious thoughts about whether a similar experience could happen to you and activate your body’s stress response.”

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    #11

    Facepalm

    Facepalm

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can confirm that period pain is worse, and I'm clumsy AF and have rolled my ankles a lot (even tore a ligament doing so)

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    #12

    Hysteria Has Always Been Everywhere

    Hysteria Has Always Been Everywhere

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somehow in my mind Satan, Santa, Satin are all mixed up together. And now that we're throwing tornadoes into the mix, I have a very distressing image of flying reindeer in there too.

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    If vicarious embarrassment puts you on edge, Dr. Collins shared some tips on how to handle it properly. It begins with reframing emotions. 

    “When we experience emotions that are uncomfortable, we often think they are ‘bad,’ and that makes us even more anxious as we try to get rid of it, increasing distress,” she explained.  

    “It can help to have a more mindful approach by acknowledging how we are feeling in the moment without judgment and allowing the emotion to pass.”

    #13

    Dork A** Losers

    Dork A** Losers

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, a dress that manages to almost reveal the capillaries, and magically perky booobs; a woman sculptor wouldn't have been my first guess either.

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    #14

    She Is Not The Cringe But Those 6k Neck Beards Are! I Freaking Love Her Idea

    She Is Not The Cringe But Those 6k Neck Beards Are! I Freaking Love Her Idea

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    Want Another Baby But Your Husband Doesn't? Just Get Him Drunk

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    Dealing with anxiety is primarily about recognizing when it begins to manifest. This also applies to the distress from feeling secondhand shame. For this, Dr. Collins recommends the STOP technique.

    This simple method involves four steps: stop what you’re doing, take a breath, observe what’s happening to your body, and proceed mindfully.

    #16

    Yikes

    Yikes

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    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My tale would be "mate, kindly p×ss off I'm having some quality alone time. Now away."

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    #17

    Imagine The Conversation

    Imagine The Conversation

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    Savahax
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Can I pet your muffin". I've gotten in trouble for WAY less at work

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    As Dr. Collins explains, the STOP technique makes you effectively take notice when anxiety and self-judgment from secondhand embarrassment begin to creep in. 

    “When we go down a rabbit hole with our thoughts and emotions, it can all end up being amplified. This STOP technique helps you move in a more helpful direction by pausing for a minute to stop whatever stream of thought you’re having.”

    #19

    So Much For Independent

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    #21

    Those Damn Scorpios

    Those Damn Scorpios

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    However, some people don’t feel secondhand shame. But does that mean they lack empathy? Psychotherapist James Hartley has an answer to this question. 

    “It could be that they are on the other end of the spectrum genetically, or their environment didn’t develop their empathy in childhood much, but it could also be that they have learned how to have boundaries with their sense of self,” Hartley told Refinery29.

    #22

    People Think That Negro Refers To The Racial Slur

    People Think That Negro Refers To The Racial Slur

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    #23

    Whitewashing

    Whitewashing

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    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Evolution noticed those bits of skin were almost always out of the sun and decided to call it an day when applying the melanin.

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    #25

    I Hate This Sub But This Fits Here So

    I Hate This Sub But This Fits Here So

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    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm convinced that not a single woman alive finds that cringey role play s**t a turn-on.

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    #26

    The Definition Of L

    The Definition Of L

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    SCamp
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I right in saying the internship was subsequently rescinded as a result?

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    #27

    Literal Cringe Face

    Literal Cringe Face

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    HangryHangryHippo
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh damn! English is not my first language and maybe I'm missing something... but I'm assuming it was "puberty"?

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    #28

    Cardi B Approves This Message

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    #29

    When You Just Want A Legitimate Business

    When You Just Want A Legitimate Business

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every Thai Massage salon in the town I live in here in Germany has a sign saying "no erotic" due to this.

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    #33

    How Does This Even Happen

    How Does This Even Happen

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    Savahax
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahahahahaha "Yo gaby this is the surgeon" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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    #34

    Wow Real Help

    Wow Real Help

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    KaiPonpon
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You either pay us or the hospital! Your choice :) /j (hope that's the right tag, still learning)

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    #35

    Gatekeeping Children’s Names?

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    #36

    Cringe

    Cringe

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think pronouns should be banned. I will never use a pronoun, especially in reference to me.

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    #37

    But I Have 11k Followers!

    But I Have 11k Followers!

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    What Is Even The Human Race Anymore

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    Vegans Forgot To Read Food Chain In Schhol

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    Annik Perrot
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And tyrannosauruses ate grass. Wait, guess they don't believe in dinosaurs either...

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    #40

    Notice At An Anime Convention

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    #41

    This Is A Classic "Ooof" Moment

    This Is A Classic "Ooof" Moment

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    Ellinor
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I shaved my hair everyone at my school asked me if it was : cancer, military, my parents forcing me... In their narrow minded heads it just couldn't have been by choice. (I precise that I was in a small countryside school and was previously in an art school so the difference between me and my classmates was WILD)

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    #42

    That Is A Good Question

    That Is A Good Question

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    Nannychachi
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I swear I just wanna slap up on the underside of her chin and make her bite her tongue.

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    #43

    This Would Haunt Me For The Rest Of My Life

    This Would Haunt Me For The Rest Of My Life

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    Pheyonagh
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More embarrassing than having your assets frozen and being sued by the uk dept of health? Bet she wish it was

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    #45

    Sheesh

    Sheesh

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    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better get tested for some other things too if that is the way you handle all your interactions.

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    #46

    Height Of Stupidity

    Height Of Stupidity

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    #48

    Logic Not Found

    Logic Not Found

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    SerumSeven
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Excuse me, Mr. Waiter, sir? Will you please escort this woman out and bring me some pie?"

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    #50

    Huh

    Huh

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Break up with him, you'll be doing him a favour, getting your toxic a**e out of his life.

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    #51

    Prime America Moment

    Prime America Moment

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    SCamp
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok let me explain, see … it’s … way back when …. ahhh why bother??

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    #52

    This Post Is Totes Yeets Yo

    This Post Is Totes Yeets Yo

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep reading the right hand side text in the voice of the two WW2 RAF pilots from the "Armstrong and Miller Show"

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    #53

    Imagine Being That Angry About Someone’s Happiness

    Imagine Being That Angry About Someone’s Happiness

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How dare he care about his life? It's not like he has only one - oh wait.....

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    #54

    Probably Refers To Him As "He's 173 Months Old"

    Probably Refers To Him As "He's 173 Months Old"

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    What

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    Apparently “Child” Is A Slur Now

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    The Baby From Nirvana’s Nevermind Cover Is Suing The Band For Exploitation. This Is Why

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    #59

    Nobody Cares!

    Nobody Cares!

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    #60

    Trying To Find Logic

    Trying To Find Logic

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    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought maybe a small cam stuck somewhere then noticed the tilting between the 2 images.

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