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Talking to The National (the publisher, not the band), Elaine Wallace, senior lecturer in marketing at the National University of Ireland Galway (so many nationals!), said there's a lot of research showing that people like to receive likes and are motivated to seek them. "People engage in all sorts of practices to get them, and it keeps them coming back," Wallace explained.

But the negative psychological effect of the desire to collect likes has been freely admitted for many years by both Facebook and Instagram. In 2016, Instagram's then chief executive, Kevin Systrom, for example, told The Wall Street Journal: "We need to have a place where you feel free to post whatever you want without the nagging fear of, did someone like that or not?"

Years later, however, there's no such place in sight. People still go above and beyond for internet points, trying to impress folks they don't even know. And when I say beyond, I mean burning fellow plane passengers with a high-powered laser and giving up a child after you learn you can't include them in your videos.

To show how desperate some of us are for temporary online fame, we invite you to take a look at the recent posts we found on the subreddit r/justforsocialmedia. But if you scroll through the list and think that's it, fire up our earlier publication on this community. Sadly, there's way more.

#1

Give Your Grandson A Cake *they* Want

Give Your Grandson A Cake *they* Want

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Vicky Z
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly only people with the mentality of a 4 year old would like trump! Poor kid

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    #2

    Booty Shots At Auschwitz!!!!

    Booty Shots At Auschwitz!!!!

    mrkuboy Report

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    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely tasteless and downright offensive to all the victims of Auschwitz, the holocaust and their families. Have some respect!

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    However, even if some stunt makes a person popular on social media, chances are it's not that great. According to Pamela Rutledge, Ph.D., M.B.A., and Director of the Media Psychology Research Center and faculty in the media psychology program at Fielding Graduate University, influencers' success relies less on their content and more on their ability to maintain an emotional connection with their fans, which can change quickly.

    "Social media fame is more fragile and less likely to endure compared to the celebrity of actors and musicians. It may seem like some traditional performers became famous 'overnight,' but almost all worked for many years cultivating their craft and building a resume, hoping for a break-out moment," Rutledge wrote in Psychology Today. "While traditional celebrity certainly takes advantage of social media for fan engagement, social media fame is different. It has created a new class of celebrity — influencers — that takes advantage of network connectivity, peer-to-peer communication and bandwagon behaviors, so information and influence spread faster. This works well for fame based on the ability to attract attention through zealous extroversion, appeal, and a willingness to push the envelope rather than traditional performance skills."

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    #3

    Imagine ... Uggh

    Imagine ... Uggh

    KyloRose231 Report

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    Akka Dakka
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe he should make a video in 30 years of him putting her in a home

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    #4

    Influencers Jailed In Bali For Fake Mask Video Prank, To Be Deported As 'Soon As Possible'

    Influencers Jailed In Bali For Fake Mask Video Prank, To Be Deported As 'Soon As Possible'

    t_a_6847646847646476 Report

    #5

    It’s Just A Prank Bro

    It’s Just A Prank Bro

    OGD3C Report

    Rutledge also pointed out that at least in the US, people love to put celebrities up on pedestals as if they were "above it all." So when they misbehave, as most do when they believe in their own superiority, us regular folk take great relish pulling them back down to earth to show them and us that they're not so special after all. It makes us feel better about ourselves. Not everyone, however, can take the fall.

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    "This is a tough time to tumble down from the heights. Between the social hypersensitivity to social justice issues and the knee-jerk tendency to 'cancel' people based on the behavior or word of others (often without nuance or regard to facts), there is a perfect storm for a crash ... Brands are subject to the same consumer whims that drive fan behavior but unlike celebrities who can sometimes benefit from bad press, brands don't have that luxury. They will jump ship at the first sign of any serious social transgressions. For influencers basking in sudden fame and wealth, the trajectory down from those dizzying and lucrative heights can be equally steep."

    The best experiences are beyond the reach of an internet signal. Why sabotage them for imaginary temporary clout?

    #6

    Burning People With A High Powered Laser And Getting Yourself Banned From An Airport For Clout

    Burning People With A High Powered Laser And Getting Yourself Banned From An Airport For Clout

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    Samantha Lomb
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like assault or possibly terrorism, as its a weapon on a plane, to me

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    #7

    Some People Just Aren’t Raised Right

    Some People Just Aren’t Raised Right

    Hyonokokoro Report

    #8

    Couple Gives A Child Up After Learning They Can’t Include Them In Their Videos

    Couple Gives A Child Up After Learning They Can’t Include Them In Their Videos

    tosac2 Report

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    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kid is probably better off away from these narcissistic sociopaths anyway.

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    #9

    Tiktok Must Be Stopped

    Tiktok Must Be Stopped

    reddit.com Report

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    PrincessPatton
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know which idiot did that to the poor doggo, but I hate him / her.

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    #10

    Imagine Going To Jail For A Tiktok

    Imagine Going To Jail For A Tiktok

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me you're not very bright, without telling me, you're not very bright.

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    #11

    Wcgw Pretending To Have The Coronavirus

    Wcgw Pretending To Have The Coronavirus

    businessinsider Report

    #12

    A Guy Sprayed Gorilla Glue On His Hair Cause He Didnt Believe The Gorilla Glue Woman Was Telling The Truth

    A Guy Sprayed Gorilla Glue On His Hair Cause He Didnt Believe The Gorilla Glue Woman Was Telling The Truth

    oujiasshole Report

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly like people who don't believe the virus is serious and end up in the hospital or dead

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    #14

    Great Way To Ruin Your Life And Other People’s Lives

    Great Way To Ruin Your Life And Other People’s Lives

    JamesLeeFOG Report

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If all those wanting to try this, could get together somewhere away from the rest of us, I could sell tickets.

    Deutschland Mädchen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found the perfect spot! There is a gaping chasm nearby but honestly what could go wrong?

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't care about their lives but other people's lives honestly

    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you really get people to do ANYTHING by calling it a challenge?

    Jon Steensen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not people, only the veryfew attention-starved idiots, who is on the lookout for their next fix. But since the world is large and reaching many persons fast is soo easy with the internet, hitting the very rare cases where your stupid mission succeeds is possible. So the answer is pretty much yes.

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    Izzy_
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm beginning to understand why China bans some social media platforms. People are just plain stupid and a danger to society.

    GoddessOdd
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These people need to do this in the same place the TikTok and IG idiots are jumping out of moving vehicles... it would make it more exciting to watch. Paul C. If you pull this off, I want 1% of the gate for my IG jumping plot twist 🤣🤣🤣🤣

    Thundernight
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Part 2: fight against the person you crashed into in a heated court battle challenge

    Pascale Pierloot
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is where I give up, guys, simpely can't scroll anymore. Let the robots take over, I don't care.

    Abby Ferrel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A mortarcycle did that before and he hit my uncle and my passed and his daughter was in the car with him 😕

    SomePeopleCallMeMaurice
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In high school, a guy did this to me on our first date, thinking he’d look really cool. Needless to say, there wasn’t a second. Why would anyone think that’d make them more attractive? Boys and young men sometimes do the most dangerous things for fun.

    Mac
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m sorry but this has to be fake right? Like what the f**k is this?

    Bob Eckert
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No you can't have dash lights on or any lights on got that? You're also blindfolded and you're right foot is strapped to the accelerator pushed all the way down.

    Tamsin Far
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    little sister of hit your head against the next wall as hard/often as you can challenge...

    Jon Steensen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, not really... it is much worse. In Russian Roulette you are only gamling with your own life. Driving in the dark might end up hurting someone completely innocent, who never agreed to participate in your stupid "game".

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    Aaricia
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please try this on a clearing in the mountains thank you

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    #15

    When You Use Your Nanas Death As An Excuse To Show Off Your Tattoos

    When You Use Your Nanas Death As An Excuse To Show Off Your Tattoos

    brbarr324325 Report

    #16

    Wasting All That Food Just For A Photo

    Wasting All That Food Just For A Photo

    BS-31 Report

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    Amy Dodds
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No I heard he gave it all away to the homeless, but they wouldn't touch it. Something about too much meat balls.

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    #17

    Wow, So Quirky

    Wow, So Quirky

    Rancid_Remnants Report

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As you scroll down, it becomes clearer that there are an unbelievable amount of stupid people amongst us.

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    #18

    Harassing People While Shopping Is Classified As A "Prank"

    Harassing People While Shopping Is Classified As A "Prank"

    combatcompanion Report

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Note how the big brave "prankster" picks on the older guy. I tell you what, try it with me and get a free punch in the mouth.

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    #19

    She Knew She Would Get A Reaction With Her Funeral Dress

    She Knew She Would Get A Reaction With Her Funeral Dress

    bonbonellio Report

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    Jonathan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'I don't give a fk about what people may think.' No, that's the exact opposite of the truth because why else would you be posting it online?

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    #20

    Hot Glued A Toilet Onto Your Head

    Hot Glued A Toilet Onto Your Head

    kwkierjote Report

    #21

    Brain Dead For Social Media

    Brain Dead For Social Media

    Evonos Report

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    Adam ray
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the issue with adults that put this garbage on social media. They don't have any idea that they are influence younger children who can't think for themselves.

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    #22

    Imagine Going To Supermarkets Just To Destroy Food

    Imagine Going To Supermarkets Just To Destroy Food

    Luxvee Report

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, I know, people world-wide are struggling for food, so I will destroy some. Unbelievable.

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    #23

    I Hate People Like This

    I Hate People Like This

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He should be made to buy everything and donate it to people that need it

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    #24

    Let Me Film A Tiktok Infront Of My Dying Friend

    Let Me Film A Tiktok Infront Of My Dying Friend

    CapitalCourse Report

    #25

    All I Can Think Is Ants... Ants Everywhere

    All I Can Think Is Ants... Ants Everywhere

    swangin82 Report

    #26

    The Lie Was Obvious, But That Didn’t Stop The Likes

    The Lie Was Obvious, But That Didn’t Stop The Likes

    Flatulent_Rimjob Report

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    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is definitely not fake. My cat just told me she was there and saw it happen.

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    #27

    Don't Warn Him Or Scare Off The Bear, Just Film

    Don't Warn Him Or Scare Off The Bear, Just Film

    Vensyth Report

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    More Thinking Needed
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's another bear filming behind the trees saying 'This is going to look great on TikTok."

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    #28

    Disturbing Everybody's Shopping Experience

    Disturbing Everybody's Shopping Experience

    HamsterCockSock Report

    #30

    When Daddy Didn’t Give You Enough Attention When You Were Young

    When Daddy Didn’t Give You Enough Attention When You Were Young

    _LouSandwich_ Report

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    ZAPanda
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    oh well, once you get a fine and an arrest you won't be given a visa for france ever again

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    #31

    Creating A Mess In A Store For Literally No Reason

    Creating A Mess In A Store For Literally No Reason

    RiOT-Septic Report

    #32

    Disney Employee Posts Videos Breaking Rules At Disneyworld, Is Promptly Fired And Banned From Disneyworld

    Disney Employee Posts Videos Breaking Rules At Disneyworld, Is Promptly Fired And Banned From Disneyworld

    Careless-Internet-63 Report

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    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wasn´t aware that "wide open" is the same as "unlocked". If only there was a word for when doors are not open, but not locked. Hmm, please, help, I cannot think of one on my own.

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    #34

    Girl Destroys Her Boyfriend’s Ps5 For A Tiktok

    Girl Destroys Her Boyfriend’s Ps5 For A Tiktok

    redditboy123451 Report

    #35

    Texas Mother Poses As 13-Year-Old Daughter And Attends Her Class For Social Media Attention - Gets Arrested

    Texas Mother Poses As 13-Year-Old Daughter And Attends Her Class For Social Media Attention - Gets Arrested

    FuckYourFee-Fees Report

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought she was trying to show that the security was not good in the school no? At least that's how it was presented at some news i saw unless it's a different person

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    #36

    Squashing Supermarket Oranges Just To Get A Good Portrait

    Squashing Supermarket Oranges Just To Get A Good Portrait

    zxcghui2 Report

    #37

    Tasering Your Friend For Views

    Tasering Your Friend For Views

    BoyGirlSmoke Report

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    MyOpinionHasBeenServed
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can seriously injure and even kill someone with those things if you don't know of their health conditions.

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    #38

    Don't Even Know What He Just Snorted

    Don't Even Know What He Just Snorted

    philip2303 Report

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    #39

    Tiktoker Takes Back iPhone He Gifted To Little Girl After Filming

    Tiktoker Takes Back iPhone He Gifted To Little Girl After Filming

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    #40

    Man Drinks Bottle Of Rubbing Alcohol For Facebook Live

    Man Drinks Bottle Of Rubbing Alcohol For Facebook Live

    count-ejacula69 Report

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    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I checked the link and apparently the idiot survived. It's probably too much to hope that he learned his lesson, though.

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    #41

    Imagine The Work That The Workers Gonna Have To Go Through Cleaning This

    Imagine The Work That The Workers Gonna Have To Go Through Cleaning This

    Akhaware Report

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People that don't respect animals come first one my hate list! People that don't respect workers definitely come second!!!

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    #42

    Having A Romantic Date In The Middle Of The Road

    Having A Romantic Date In The Middle Of The Road

    istillwannamarryyou Report

    #43

    Ruining Someone’s Night For Some Internet Points On Tiktok

    Ruining Someone’s Night For Some Internet Points On Tiktok

    AutisticTurnip Report

    #44

    Hurting Yourself For Some Internet Points

    Hurting Yourself For Some Internet Points

    Complete_Original_86 Report

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    Otter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm fine with the idiots hurting themselves instead of others. They're thinning the herd, as is nature's way.

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    #45

    Just Stop

    Just Stop

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like this you are sure you will not find a single hair in your food! You will find plenty

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    #47

    Idiot Eats A Firecracker For Internet Points

    Idiot Eats A Firecracker For Internet Points

    2020clusterfuck Report

    #50

    Doing Something Illegal Then Showing It Off As A "Life Hack"

    Doing Something Illegal Then Showing It Off As A "Life Hack"

    shumin00 Report

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    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm gonna be downvoted but since airlines are getting more and more ridiculous, people will start doing this more and more often!! They charge you even for your purse now and recently i had this experience: had a luggage and a cabin suitcase and my luggage was not overweight! They didn't weight my cabin one until i reached the gates where they told me it's overweight and made me take out things and carry them on my hands until i pass the gates!! If it was weighed earlier i would have put them in the luggage! What was the f*****g point of taking them out for two minutes and put them back in after the gate?

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    #51

    Pain Is Fame On The Internet

    Pain Is Fame On The Internet

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    #52

    I Hate People

    I Hate People

    appayipyip__ Report

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    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh cool, now dog paws will be stepping in glass because you thought having a tantrum would make you popular among a bunch of anonymous people on the internet.

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    #53

    Peanut Pain

    Peanut Pain

    ziga-rih Report

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    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Peanut butter is one of the highest requested items from my local food bank - protein without needing additional ingredients or steps to serve it. Glad it's being put to good use (eye roll). What a twit.

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    #54

    Like, What’s Even The Point Of Doing This...?

    Like, What’s Even The Point Of Doing This...?

    M4T1_PL Report

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    Suzanne Clark
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God, I hope they don't use that cutting board for actual food---the bacteria count must be through the roof.

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    #57

    Dancing In Front Of Her Deceased Mother

    Dancing In Front Of Her Deceased Mother

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    #59

    Waste Of Nuts And Terrible Acting

    Waste Of Nuts And Terrible Acting

    augusttrip2019 Report

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    #60

    Asshole Wastes Valuable Food.

    Asshole Wastes Valuable Food.

    Yeets420 Report

    #61

    Just Why

    Just Why

    AidsInMyBrain Report

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    J&B FitzTubeKidz
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the grand scheme of things, this is actually pretty tame. Probably costed about 20-25 dollars total.

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    #62

    Just Why?

    Just Why?

    prettylonelynstuff Report

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    Karo
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least she’s not hurting anyone else like some of the fckers here

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