Let’s just put it out there: pretty much everyone witnessed some unbelievable stuff during the pandemic. Like how some people saw toilet paper as the hottest commodity. How others believed 5G towers spread the disease. Not to mention dealing with anti-maskers, confronting anti-vaxxers, and generally worrying about the state of human idiocy.

Covid-19 life revealed the true colors of folks around us, and thanks to the r/FacePalm subreddit, we can see it in broad daylight. Titled as the "gallery of inexplicable stupidity", the moderators ask the members to share proof of human foolishness for everyone to enjoy.

We have selected some of the best examples of people doing cringe-worthy things in the midst of the pandemic and getting rightfully shamed for it online. Continue scrolling and upvote the ones you enjoyed most! And if you’re in the mood for some more stupidity goodness both online and in real life, check out our previous posts here, here, and here.

#1

You Can Still Breathe Idiot

You Can Still Breathe Idiot

lol62056 Report

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#2

Well You're Not Wrong

Well You're Not Wrong

deannathedford Report

To learn more about why people do foolish and ludicrous things, we reached out to Balazs Aczel, an associate professor at ELTE University in Budapest, and author of the study What is stupid?: People's conception of unintelligent behavior. "In our research, we found that people use the label 'stupid' for three very different types of actions," he told Bored Panda.

"We call the first category 'confident ignorance'. In these actions, people's confidence tends to exceed what their skills or knowledge would allow," the professor said. "In other words, they think they know how to do risky things, and they do it. For example, they go bungee jumping with their home-made gear, such as a metal cord."

The second type of stupid action is due to absentmindedness. Aczel explained that in this case, people have sufficient knowledge to act rationally, except they don't monitor their actions. "Whenever we turn into auto-pilot, we risk doing something very irrational. A good example is a professor who was so engaged in a deep conversation with his colleagues at his home that when he went to his bedroom to get a book, seeing the bed he got into his pajamas and went to sleep."

#3

What About Nurses Who Wear Them 8 To 10 Hours A Day

What About Nurses Who Wear Them 8 To 10 Hours A Day

Bmchris44 Report

#4

I Get It Now

I Get It Now

matthewfederman Report

#5

What A Madman

What A Madman

crupnick Report

The third kind of stupidity is "lack of control". "Here, people know how to do things right and are aware of their actions, they still make that mistake," he continued. "Impulsivity and short-term emotions can make us act against our best thinking. In heated conversations, we can easily lose control. Overindulging in food or drinks can also seem stupid the day after."

The professor told us that if there’s one thing people can easily agree on, it’s to determine whether something is stupid or not. You see, there’s a common thing in foolish actions — "there is a risk or harm involved when the actor should have known better. The more we believe that the person had the knowledge that the action is risky, the more upset we get with making that mistake."

"It's likely that regarding and calling certain actions stupid helped our survival," he added. "We might speculate that by calling something (and not someone!) stupid, we tag a negative affective 'stamp' on actions that we believe better to be avoided. If we had to learn it by description, then we would certainly fail."

#6

It Was Media Control All Along

It Was Media Control All Along

swingdownbeat Report

#7

What's Yours?

What's Yours?

kevinowdziej Report

#8

When A Pandemic Becomes Political..

When A Pandemic Becomes Political..

crupnick Report

When asked why so many of us enjoy witnessing others act silly, Aczel argued that while it may seem paradoxical, stupid actions can bring us sorrow and joy at the same time. "If we label actions that should be avoided 'stupid,' then why do we seek them?"

"In fact, the entire entertainment industry is built on people's desire to watch other people doing something very stupid. One possible answer is that when we watch others' stupid actions then we feel superior, we can easily think that we are not that dumb. Watching stupid actions also simplifies the complexity of the world temporarily: nothing is more obvious than the stupidity of a stupid act. Feeling superior and easing our brainwork is very pleasing for humans."

#9

They Can, They Just Won't Do It

They Can, They Just Won't Do It

lucynyu13 Report

#10

Where Can I Get A Purse

Where Can I Get A Purse

McFlash64 Report

#11

Correct

Correct

FloatingDoggy Report

You might think that when we see others act ridiculous and irrational, it should teach us to avoid repeating them. But, according to Aczel, the world would be very different if watching silly things others do would fully prevent us from doing them in the future.

"Nevertheless, it's reasonable to think that we don't have to gain personal experience in every stupid mistake in order to avoid them. One key to the success of the human race is that we can learn from others without experiencing it ourselves. Since the research of stupid-labeled actions is fairly new, we will need further studies to find out how watching silly actions influence our own behavior," he explained.

#12

The Founders Would Say The F Is An Ohio

The Founders Would Say The F Is An Ohio

Powerfulwoman20 Report

#13

Just... W H A T ?

Just... W H A T ?

Bobo3076 Report

#14

Safety Precaution Is Not 100%

Safety Precaution Is Not 100%

Active-Ad-233 Report

Aczel noted that doing stupid things seems to be part of human nature. "Often by mistake but sometimes by wish," he added. "Why is it so tempting to get silly sometimes? The writer John Steinbeck says: 'Sometimes a man wants to be stupid if it lets him do a thing his cleverness forbids.'"

"Perhaps, acting smartly is very tiring and, occasionally, we have to take our leave from the control of rationality. It might be even adaptive to do that but only if we find the line between being silly and doing something really stupid," Aczel concluded.

#15

I Think You Will Survive The Vaccine

I Think You Will Survive The Vaccine

lucynyu13 Report

#16

Stop Doing This!

Stop Doing This!

percy___potter Report

#17

What A Bellend!

What A Bellend!

maxitobonito Report

We also managed to get in touch with David M. Allen, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and co-editor of Groupthink in Science. According to him, when it comes to people who spread misinformation and label the pandemic a hoax, that's almost always due to groupthink.

"In order to be considered part of a group, which has evolutionary survival value and so is, in my opinion, written into our genetic code (although we are able to choose to not do this and think critically, but there is usually a significant social cost), we often must go along with views that are held as central by our kin or social group," he explained.

Allen mentioned that groupthink also involves a lot of what one author called Willful Blindness — avoiding looking at any information that contradicts the group norms. "Paradoxically, in order to do this, one has to know where not to look, meaning that the individual has to know where it is, which in turn means that they actually have looked at it," the professor added.

#18

🤦🏻‍♂️

🤦🏻‍♂️

3Colton Report

#19

Technically The Truth

Technically The Truth

iamnumair Report

#20

No One Could Competently Answer Questions About Health Care And The Covid Pandemic Without Cheating

No One Could Competently Answer Questions About Health Care And The Covid Pandemic Without Cheating

xbhaskarx Report

#21

Doesn’t The Metal In The Vaccine Cause You To Be More Magnetic And Cars Are Pulled To You?

Doesn’t The Metal In The Vaccine Cause You To Be More Magnetic And Cars Are Pulled To You?

xChops Report

"Trying to argue with people from a competing group is difficult because it usually involves negative ideas about your opponent — calling them stupid in one way or another invariably leads them to become defensive and start attacking back."

The professor wanted to share some advice with you, dear readers. "When it comes to interacting with people of opposite persuasions, learn how to be empathic with their positions before going on to challenge them. This is not easy to do when you feel they are attacking you, but it can be done."

Remember that "there is usually some aspect of the other fellow's position that you can agree with," he continued. "Being brave enough to engage in your own critical thinking about ideas cherished by your own groups can be useful in avoiding doing stupid things repeatedly with the same negative consequences."

#22

All The Beans At My Local Grocery Store Are Out Except This One...

All The Beans At My Local Grocery Store Are Out Except This One...

ThePortlandStrangler Report

#23

Antivax Logic

Antivax Logic

DaFunkJunkie Report

#24

When You Believe Politicians Over Doctors

When You Believe Politicians Over Doctors

Bmchris44 Report

#25

“If Masks Were Necessary We Would Have Evolved One By Now” Lmao

“If Masks Were Necessary We Would Have Evolved One By Now” Lmao

nekkototoro Report

#26

I Had A Hard Time Believing People Were This Stupid... Until Today

I Had A Hard Time Believing People Were This Stupid... Until Today

bam_brr Report

#27

They Really Have Gotten To Us

They Really Have Gotten To Us

Zacharius420 Report

#28

People Still Wearing A Mask Below Their Nose Have Less Brain Cells Than A Baby

People Still Wearing A Mask Below Their Nose Have Less Brain Cells Than A Baby

Jaminboiyi Report

#29

Jfk During The Cuban Missile Crisis vs. Trump During A Global Pandemic

Jfk During The Cuban Missile Crisis vs. Trump During A Global Pandemic

Normal-Reddit-Person Report

#30

Did She Look At The Picture At All???

Did She Look At The Picture At All???

tcat-2424 Report

#31

Good Job..

Good Job..

crupnick Report

#32

The Four Covid Personality Types.

The Four Covid Personality Types.

MartJonathan Report

#33

Ridiculous

Ridiculous

nickbryantny Report

#34

Grim Reaper Supporting Karens On Their Protest To Open Schools

Grim Reaper Supporting Karens On Their Protest To Open Schools

invertedparadoxxx Report

#35

It's Just A Flu, Bro! No, Wait...

It's Just A Flu, Bro! No, Wait...

Louis83 Report

#36

Absolutely Right

Absolutely Right

kanchirk Report

#37

Went To The Shop Last Night. Every Aisle Had Been Picked Clean Apart From This... People Are Idiots

Went To The Shop Last Night. Every Aisle Had Been Picked Clean Apart From This... People Are Idiots

Cha7l1e Report

#38

This School Closed Down Commons So That They're Are No Mass Gatherings

This School Closed Down Commons So That They're Are No Mass Gatherings

Muqeehus Report

#39

Corona-Challenge

Corona-Challenge

Panduxa Report

#40

Yikes

Yikes

imgur.com Report

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#41

Anti-Vax Logic

Anti-Vax Logic

DaFunkJunkie Report

#42

It’s Really Not That Difficult

It’s Really Not That Difficult

MyNameGifOreilly Report

#43

Pray For Me!

Pray For Me!

creatingastorm Report

#44

This Is Why We Are 2 Years Into A Pandemic (Not Oc)

This Is Why We Are 2 Years Into A Pandemic (Not Oc)

glieseg Report

#45

The State Of The World.

The State Of The World.

esberat Report

#46

Pictured: The Reason The Entire Rest Of The Planet Is Laughing At Us

Pictured: The Reason The Entire Rest Of The Planet Is Laughing At Us

42words Report

#47

People Like This Are The Reason That The Pandemic Is Still Going On.

People Like This Are The Reason That The Pandemic Is Still Going On.

Allstarhit Report

#48

Trump Back At It Again

Trump Back At It Again

SomolianButtPirate Report

#49

Florida Isn't Your Average State, But This Pandemic Has Made Them Especially Insane

Florida Isn't Your Average State, But This Pandemic Has Made Them Especially Insane

oogaboogaaht Report

#50

Suspended For Showing The Truth?

Suspended For Showing The Truth?

TheCrustyPancake Report

#51

And Many Will Still Believe Him

And Many Will Still Believe Him

Master1718 Report

#52

These People Are Really Scared Of A Needle

These People Are Really Scared Of A Needle

Xenoscum_yt Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#53

5g —> Death = Science

5g —> Death = Science

froooon Report

#54

This Would Be Funnier If It Wasn’t So Dangerous

This Would Be Funnier If It Wasn’t So Dangerous

PlasticFenian Report

#55

“It’s Easy, Losers”

“It’s Easy, Losers”

reddit.com Report

#56

Can’t Do Anything About Noncompliance With Mandatory Public Orders.. Sure

Can’t Do Anything About Noncompliance With Mandatory Public Orders.. Sure

Jokiat Report

#57

This Teacher Thinks Is The Same To Teach In 2020

This Teacher Thinks Is The Same To Teach In 2020

mesomobeni17 Report

#58

No Concern For Others

No Concern For Others

xbhaskarx Report

#59

Yes Please Stay Away From Us We Want You To Be Safe

Yes Please Stay Away From Us We Want You To Be Safe

nekkototoro Report

#60

“The Vaccine Is Made From Aborted Babies”

“The Vaccine Is Made From Aborted Babies”

DaFunkJunkie Report

#61

Sums Up The Pandemic Mess Quite Nicely. Credit U/Orchid_breeder

Sums Up The Pandemic Mess Quite Nicely. Credit U/Orchid_breeder

tdomer80 Report

#62

Imagine Being This Stupid

Imagine Being This Stupid

jaytix1 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#63

Photograph Of Protestors In Ohio Demanding The Governor Re-Open Businesses, During A Global Pandemic...

Photograph Of Protestors In Ohio Demanding The Governor Re-Open Businesses, During A Global Pandemic...

Pow67 Report

#64

Religion Doesn't Exempt You From A Pandemic

Religion Doesn't Exempt You From A Pandemic

Bi0_B1lly Report

#65

I Thought It Was Totally Unethical.

I Thought It Was Totally Unethical.

Powerfulwoman20 Report

#66

That’s A Nice Deal

That’s A Nice Deal

mr-doggo-not-cat Report

#67

Facepalm.

Facepalm.

amitbt Report

#68

“It’s Just The Flu” They Said...

“It’s Just The Flu” They Said...

xbhaskarx Report

#69

Dear God, Please End The Pandemic...no Not Like That.

Dear God, Please End The Pandemic...no Not Like That.

EnigmaKat Report

#70

When A Pandemic Comes And We Are Unable To Respond In A Coordinated And Effective Fashion, Make No Mistake About It...

When A Pandemic Comes And We Are Unable To Respond In A Coordinated And Effective Fashion, Make No Mistake About It...

reddit.com Report

#71

It's Safe

It's Safe

lonedrifterjk Report

#72

Wears Gloves To Prevent Catching The Virus... Does This

Wears Gloves To Prevent Catching The Virus... Does This

Carnalvore86 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#73

Idiots Ruining Our Lives

Idiots Ruining Our Lives

Cenas_Shovel Report

#74

Apparently This Pandemic Eats Away Common Sense As Well

Apparently This Pandemic Eats Away Common Sense As Well

Camron1010 Report

#75

Trump Playing Golf After Calling Out Obama On Playing Golf During A Pandemic.

Trump Playing Golf After Calling Out Obama On Playing Golf During A Pandemic.

rotten_pickles_ Report

#76

Unfortunately Predictable

Unfortunately Predictable

orchid_breeder Report

#77

Vaccines Cause Blood Clots

Vaccines Cause Blood Clots

itsharryngl Report

#78

You’re Really Going To Do That In A Pandemic?

You’re Really Going To Do That In A Pandemic?

passionpaindemonslay Report

#79

Someone Brought These Bills To The Bank They Tried To Sanitize In A Microwave

Someone Brought These Bills To The Bank They Tried To Sanitize In A Microwave

Jamaisfaux Report

#80

This Is Bob.

This Is Bob.

foxfai Report

#81

That Didn’t Work Out Too Well

That Didn’t Work Out Too Well

syd430 Report

#82

Imagine Taking This Seriously Over An Actual Pandemic

Imagine Taking This Seriously Over An Actual Pandemic

reddit.com Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#83

Apparently Immunizing People During A Deadly Pandemic Is Comparable To The Holocaust

Apparently Immunizing People During A Deadly Pandemic Is Comparable To The Holocaust

xbhaskarx Report

#84

There’s A Global Pandemic Going On.

There’s A Global Pandemic Going On.

stone100100baseball Report

#85

If You're Ever Wondering Why We Are Still In This Pandemic

If You're Ever Wondering Why We Are Still In This Pandemic

jeetz1231 Report

#86

The Flu Has Never Been A Pandemic

The Flu Has Never Been A Pandemic

UsedAmbition Report

#87

Following Health Guidelines During A Pandemic = An Economic Principle

Following Health Guidelines During A Pandemic = An Economic Principle

Zorane_ Report

#88

Such Bs

Such Bs

buttPee69 Report

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#89

We’re In This Pandemic Because…promiscuous College Girls?

We’re In This Pandemic Because…promiscuous College Girls?

Friggin Report

#90

These Napkins That Were Sent To My Store During A Pandemic

These Napkins That Were Sent To My Store During A Pandemic

crusherjoe6 Report

#91

Americans Taking Action. This Will Teach The Pandemic A Thing Or Two!

Americans Taking Action. This Will Teach The Pandemic A Thing Or Two!

Cabernet2H2O Report

#92

A Bold Strategy For Handling The Pandemic From Missouri's Governor

A Bold Strategy For Handling The Pandemic From Missouri's Governor

xbhaskarx Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#93

Covid-19 Is A Lie!... Gotta Wear A Face Mask Just In Case Tho

Covid-19 Is A Lie!... Gotta Wear A Face Mask Just In Case Tho

Renazzle93 Report

#94

Pandemic Protection....

Pandemic Protection....

Sylocule Report

#95

The Irony When Protesting A Pandemic.

The Irony When Protesting A Pandemic.

neurot1c Report

#96

Do We Deserve To Survive This Pandemic?

Do We Deserve To Survive This Pandemic?

Minnie_Boden Report

#97

This Is Why The Pandemic Has Lasted So Long Here In The Us

This Is Why The Pandemic Has Lasted So Long Here In The Us

notorious_biggie Report

#98

My Partner And I Found This Dude. At The Hospital Parking Lot... In The Middle Of A Pandemic.

My Partner And I Found This Dude. At The Hospital Parking Lot... In The Middle Of A Pandemic.

justabigcheesesanga Report

#99

My Country Organizing A Tax Free Day Mid Pandemic

My Country Organizing A Tax Free Day Mid Pandemic

Mateoxr7 Report

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#100

Letting Your Kid Walk Around Barefoot And Touch Everything Like There Isn't A Pandemic Going On.

Letting Your Kid Walk Around Barefoot And Touch Everything Like There Isn't A Pandemic Going On.

BigBallsMcLongCock Report

#101

Because It’s Not Like There’s A Global Pandemic Raging Right Now...

Because It’s Not Like There’s A Global Pandemic Raging Right Now...

LegitimateShift8 Report