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It’s often said that two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. While the first is still up for debate, the internet seems to prove the latter every day. Because frankly, the ridiculous and offensive opinions people express online sometimes make you wonder if common sense is even real.

Fortunately, there’s a place where these moments get the attention they deserve: r/facepalm. This subreddit calls out all sorts of cringe-worthy blunders, and we’ve pulled together some of their most outrageous posts. Check them out below!

#1

Absolutely Unreal 🙃👇

Absolutely Unreal 🙃👇

0riginal_Poster Report

#2

The Truth Hurts

The Truth Hurts

AOC Report

Of course, none of us are immune to slipping up and saying something questionable online. However, there’s a difference between a simple mistake and a pattern of constant stupidity or rudeness. It often seems like people let their thoughts run wild on the internet, behaving differently than they would in real life.

This phenomenon is actually well-documented. Researchers call it the ‘online disinhibition effect,’ a concept introduced by psychologist John Suler in 2004. In simple terms, it means users drop their usual social restraints and inhibitions when communicating online, saying things they’d normally keep to themselves.

#3

They Should've Trust Him

They Should've Trust Him

tieshatwo Report

#4

These Social Media Influencing Is Getting Out Of Hand

These Social Media Influencing Is Getting Out Of Hand

Evie_Magazine Report

Internet psychologist Graham Jones suggests that, in some ways, our online behavior mirrors what happens in face-to-face interactions. “Having said that, there is a feature of the online world that makes such negative behaviour more likely than in the real world,” he explains. “In the real world people subconsciously monitor the behaviour of others around them and adapt their own behaviour accordingly... Online we do not have such feedback mechanisms.”

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#5

Something Important

Something Important

eriffrost Report

#6

Good Guys With Guns Not Allowed?

Good Guys With Guns Not Allowed?

MeidasTouch Report

#7

When You Pretend To Be Religious

When You Pretend To Be Religious

Benton_Risalo Report

These feedback mechanisms include body language, facial expressions, and other clear signals that reveal how people respond to what we’re saying. For example, if we make a hurtful comment towards someone, we might notice their visible discomfort, or if we do something embarrassing, others might laugh. These cues guide our behavior and help us follow social norms. However, in digital interactions, these immediate responses are missing, leaving us without the usual prompts to adjust our behavior.

#8

Man

Man

fragasaurus_rex Report

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#9

America

America

Public_Citizen Report

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#10

By Watching Movies For Several Hours Is A Waste?

By Watching Movies For Several Hours Is A Waste?

negligible_madness Report

Moreover, on the internet, we can easily go incognito or share only limited information about ourselves, which can make it feel like our actions and words have no real-world consequences. We can choose usernames instead of our real names, avoid sharing personal photos, or even hide our IP addresses. Suler refers to this as ‘dissociative anonymity.’ It creates a sense of detachment, making us feel less accountable for what we say, and some might even convince themselves that their online personas “aren’t me at all.”

#11

How Come Women Have Freedom

How Come Women Have Freedom

sawalm Report

#12

I Have A Question

I Have A Question

MightyKeef Report

#13

America

America

Monsur_Ausuhnom Report

Many of our online interactions also don’t happen in real time. When we post something, send a private message, or leave a comment, it can take minutes, hours, or even days before we hear back from anyone.

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“In real life, the analogy might be speaking to someone, magically suspending time before that person can reply, and then returning to the conversation when one is willing and able to hear the response,” writes Suler.

The delay in feedback means we often don’t connect emotionally with the situation, allowing us to “run away” from the moment and retreat to our safe space where nothing feels wrong.

#14

American Cops Scare Me

American Cops Scare Me

jellylemonshake Report

#15

Epstein Maxxing 🏎️

Epstein Maxxing 🏎️

duMb-pLus_uLtra Report

#16

Just Well

Just Well

Uddashin Report

In some cases, the internet can create a false sense of closeness with people we interact with, leading us to reveal things we wouldn’t normally share with just anyone in real life.

“Often, people will consider their online ‘friends’ and connections much closer to them than they really are,” explains L. Gordon Brewer, a therapist who specializes in working with individuals and couples. “This results in lowered boundaries, which makes people feel more comfortable venting and discussing controversial topics, and more likely to share intimate details that are traditionally reserved for their inner circle.”

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While our friends and family might easily forgive us for going off on a tangent or saying something awkward, the same comments can sound odd or even mean to strangers online.

#17

Makes No Sense

Makes No Sense

DanPriceSeattle Report

#18

Everything's Going To Be Alt-Right

Everything's Going To Be Alt-Right

HalpernAlex Report

#19

To Make America “Great”

To Make America “Great”

Mr__O__ Report

On the other hand, being less guarded on the internet can sometimes lead to surprisingly positive outcomes. People may find themselves being kinder, more compassionate, and more willing to open up about their struggles and thoughts. For example, a British study found that teenagers felt comfortable discussing their mental health issues in online forums where they could remain anonymous. This freedom made it easier for them to get support and connect with others who provided helpful advice.

#20

Maybe Teachers Should Get A Raise?

Maybe Teachers Should Get A Raise?

clay_mcch Report

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#21

I Don’t Even Know What To Say

I Don’t Even Know What To Say

Ilnerd00 Report

#22

Nope, All Above The Law

Nope, All Above The Law

Monsur_Ausuhnom Report

At the end of the day, some people will be intentionally hurtful online simply because they want to be. “There are just people who are mean-spirited and who will say something cruel just because they know it hurts,” says Brewer. “This is often caused by a sense of insecurity and, somehow, lashing out makes them feel more secure in themselves.” Chances are, those who behave this way are struggling with deep personal issues and use their internet presence as a way to gain some control over their own lives.

#23

People Are Monsters…

People Are Monsters…

Quirky-Material9725 Report

#24

Right Wing Groups Afraid People Will Learn What Happens When You Oppose Them In Texas

Right Wing Groups Afraid People Will Learn What Happens When You Oppose Them In Texas

Anarchyantz Report

#25

Delusional People

Delusional People

depressedsinnerxiii Report

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So if you ever feel tempted to post something mean or inappropriate online, consider if there might be something else troubling you. Likewise, if you come across a comment that really gets under your skin, keep in mind that the person behind it might be dealing with their own struggles. And when in doubt, remember that you always have the option to block or mute—sometimes, it’s the best way to maintain your own peace of mind.

#26

Did The Mistake Of Calling My Coworker Bro

Did The Mistake Of Calling My Coworker Bro

No-Good-5707 Report

#27

Can't Like Fit Girls Without Being Gay

Can't Like Fit Girls Without Being Gay

jellylemonshake Report

#28

Europe

Europe

FoxxyysShow Report

#29

S**t Americans Say

S**t Americans Say

cyberchrono Report

#30

Wh-What Did I Just Read

Wh-What Did I Just Read

jellylemonshake Report

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#31

Oop!

Oop!

Broad_Sun8273 Report

#32

What In The World?

What In The World?

prucha13 Report

#33

Smartest Man Ever!

Smartest Man Ever!

jellylemonshake Report

#34

Creepy 101

Creepy 101

depressedsinnerxiii Report

#35

Hmm, I Wonder Why No One Wants To Go To Her Wedding

Hmm, I Wonder Why No One Wants To Go To Her Wedding

EvaLilBaby Report

#36

Heat Stroke Is Woke Now

Heat Stroke Is Woke Now

bookworm8232 Report

#37

"Climate Change Is A Hoax"

"Climate Change Is A Hoax"

PupperPocalypse Report

#38

This Is Gold Medal At The Olympics Levels Of A Weird Take

This Is Gold Medal At The Olympics Levels Of A Weird Take

ChairmanMeowOfficial Report

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#39

Bro Doesn't Even Know That He Doesn't Know

Bro Doesn't Even Know That He Doesn't Know

JoeyZasaa Report

#40

Boobs Are The Biggest Personality Trait

Boobs Are The Biggest Personality Trait

depressedsinnerxiii Report

#41

Instagram Loves Blood Diamonds

Instagram Loves Blood Diamonds

adminsaredoodoo Report

#42

Wait... What🤦

Wait... What🤦

SirenaLoverrr Report

#43

Man Ages Over Two Decades, Public Shocked

Man Ages Over Two Decades, Public Shocked

tom030792 Report

#44

How Is That Obesity?

How Is That Obesity?

Johnsharklasers Report

#45

Because, They're Supposed To Move On?

Because, They're Supposed To Move On?

springheeledjack69 Report

#46

I’m So Done With Boomers And Facebook

I’m So Done With Boomers And Facebook

lets_just_n0t Report

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#47

No, We Don’t Support Her

No, We Don’t Support Her

Quirky-Material9725 Report

#48

Oh Yeah?

Oh Yeah?

jellylemonshake Report

#49

Now Wait A Damn Minute

Now Wait A Damn Minute

Aneriox Report

#50

I'm Done

I'm Done

Slavorino Report

Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.