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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!

#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.

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

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BlackestDawn
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so wrongly phrased. I would rather say a "daily item" than important since even important items can be forgotten if not part of your daily routine, and "daily items" don't really need to be important in that aspect.

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#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.

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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

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Sian E
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And their twitter name is that of a very racist politician from the 1960/70s.

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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.”

#13

America

America

Monsur_Ausuhnom Report

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Jill Rhodry
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems I'm just as stoopid as this dude, 'cause I see his sarcastic point - someone care to explain why this makes him and I idiots?

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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

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TheDarkestRaven
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Police absolutly need body cams, but mostly because they can protect a victim. I’ve seen records of a cop faking finding d***s in innocent peoples cars, every time he ‘found’ them, he would move away the body cam, and only move it back once he was away from the vehicle and had the object in question.

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#16

Just Well

Just Well

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Jeff White
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either ... "The Inquisition, The Inquisition!" (in a singsongy voice) Or ... "No one expects the (Spanish) Inquisition!" (in a Monty Pythony voice). Or burning witches at Salem? Or probably any one of another 5000 examples (Colonization?) that could be cited. This does seem to be the most idiotic statement yet.

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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.

#19

To Make America “Great”

To Make America “Great”

Mr__O__ Report

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Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some say the decline of the GOP began with Ronnie Ray-gun. Some say it started with Nixon. People harp on how Reagan defeated the Soviet Union without firing even one shot, but conveniently forget how he made life harder for the little guys and gals. The damage he did will take decades to repair.

Bartlet for World Domination
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Real World (a.k.a. existing in a capitalist environment) defeated the Soviet Union. Reagan and Gorbachev got on well, that probably expedited things a bit.

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MagicJacket
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MAGA would call Reagan a RINO and a communist if he was around today. Reagan was bad, but that is how far America has fallen.

Sand Ers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s still a direct line from Reagan to trump. Reagan started the oligarchal fascism ball rolling, and trump is the inevitable result. If not this one, there would have been another.

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Immir
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The SC is now a joke, thanks to Trump and his GOP lackeys.

Nikki Gross
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad that if you talked about having a plan to bail and get the f**k out of dodge if everything goes to s**t, it was considered paranoia. Now, it's being smart and having a back-up plan is a really good idea, because the chances that things are going to go downhill with the way everything is going and this next election we might be completely and utterly f****d.

Adrian Perlman
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

author is either young or not brushed-up on their 20th century history. this is like saying george w. bush started leading america into illegal wars. reagan's "trickle down" economics was a silly campaign ploy to fool dumb voters, and it still works today, even if it's not referred to as such anymore. it's called "creating jobs" and means everyone should be happy for any crumbs they get from the more successful capitalists. but the official war on the poor was started much earlier, during the US' most prosperous times, the baby neocons were out internationally making sure no one had too good of a standard of life. then they realized sabotaging and disabling their own people was just as, if not more profitable. started in the 60s folks

Purple_bio
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bring in the guillotines France might of been on to something-

Luis Hernandez Dauajare
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And now he is getting his own biopic to make him look heroic. Seriously, America, what the actual f***k?

Skywitness
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reagan was just so avuncular. He's give you that winning smile and pat you on the shoulder before you realized your wallet was gone.

Gordon MacDiarmid
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't forget the Heritage Foundation. The hand in the back of the brainless puppet

Lene
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to see a video of the supreme court saying the words "okie dokie" out loud. 😊

Kelly Hartle
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And now he's not considered conservative enough by Republicans.

MarvinsMom
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ronald Reagan! The actor? Then who's vice-president, Jerry Lewis? I suppose Jane Wyman is the First Lady!

Nimitz
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy who sat in front of the world and named names to Joe F*****g McCarthy? That's a galloping f*****g shock...

John West
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. Blame they guy who's been out of office for almost 40 years.

John Boy
Community Member
3 months ago

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You're so full of shite that you must be a bot. The Supreme Court DOES NOT CREATE LAWS! Their function is to hold the Congress (who DOES CREATE law) TO the LAW, with the Constitution being the over-riding authority. Don't like a "law"? Talk to your Congressman or Senator about it. Doesn't our schools teach anything regarding Civics anymore?

Srinivasan S
Community Member
3 months ago

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The messages in this thread are monitored Vought and the Patriots. Starlighters will be tracked and punished severely.

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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

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Power puff scientist
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

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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

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Jeff White
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry to be persnickity, but this behavior is EVIL, not idiotic. Hope that clears things up.

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#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

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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

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Rocket Surgeon
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get the weird feeling this person doesn't know what a "brother" or "sister" actually is and just misread the context he got on a porn site.

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#27

Can't Like Fit Girls Without Being Gay

Can't Like Fit Girls Without Being Gay

jellylemonshake Report

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Jeff White
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. No matter how I try to understand any point of view that would make "sense", I cannot. My brain hurts now.

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#28

Europe

Europe

FoxxyysShow Report

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Roma Korsakaite
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you seriously calling that highly processed c**p "food"?... Yes, we don't have food here in Europe.

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#29

S**t Americans Say

S**t Americans Say

cyberchrono Report

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Glasofruix
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flashnews, people can speak more than one language regardless of the color of their skin.

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#30

Wh-What Did I Just Read

Wh-What Did I Just Read

jellylemonshake Report

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Chihuahua Mama
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just don't understand transphobes. Like why does the content of other people's pants affect you so much?

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#31

Oop!

Oop!

Broad_Sun8273 Report

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Jill Rhodry
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a facepalm, the possible future - shame no-one told 'em that the handmaid's tale wasn't meant to be a manifesto

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#32

What In The World?

What In The World?

prucha13 Report

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Bald Panda
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the level of stupidity that my friends across the pond are up against. Certainly from here, MAGA looks more like a cult every day.

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#33

Smartest Man Ever!

Smartest Man Ever!

jellylemonshake Report

#34

Creepy 101

Creepy 101

depressedsinnerxiii Report

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Rocket Surgeon
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This (and most of these it seems) don't match the headline at all. I mean, I'm sure this guy got called out for being a dimwit, but there are no examples of that.

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#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

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Not-a-Clue (she/her)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no! I might get deleted off Facebook! How on earth will I keep up with their lives?! 😱

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#36

Heat Stroke Is Woke Now

Heat Stroke Is Woke Now

bookworm8232 Report

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Rocket Surgeon
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody has ever died from it being too warm outside? Um... I hate to break it to you...

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#37

"Climate Change Is A Hoax"

"Climate Change Is A Hoax"

PupperPocalypse Report

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Roma Korsakaite
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can people don't notice how much hotter are summers now than they use to be in our childhood... Well, nothing is impossible if you're stupid enough

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#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

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

Thank you for enlightening every farmer on the planet! 🥰✨✨✨ /s

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#40

Boobs Are The Biggest Personality Trait

Boobs Are The Biggest Personality Trait

depressedsinnerxiii Report

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Little Wonder
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh I love when games make realistic women and the Gamerboiz get all sad because they don't want to have sex with the fictional lady anymore. Delicious.

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#43

Man Ages Over Two Decades, Public Shocked

Man Ages Over Two Decades, Public Shocked

tom030792 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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HF
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

one flag for every driver that truck killed going the wrong way on the highway?

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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

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BlackestDawn
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd agree with this if the issue was purely about someone else just being a billionaire. The issue isn't about someone else just being a billionaire but largely about how they became and keep staying a billionaire.

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#49

Now Wait A Damn Minute

Now Wait A Damn Minute

Aneriox Report

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Marianne
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy in the pic is not necessarily the older boy's father. His father could have been her high school sweetheart who was also 16 when they made him.

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#50

I'm Done

I'm Done

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