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Back in the day, you might have been able to get away with saying something stupid without a whole lot of people finding out. But nowadays, the internet has made that quite a bit harder. With billions of people using social media, it’s much more likely that your dumb posts could come under the spotlight and bounce back to bite you.

If you’re really unlucky, they could even end up on r/facepalm. It’s an online community dedicated to outing the stupidest things ever posted on the net. With over 8,3 million members, it’s probably not the place you want your moronic moments to be memorialized. Keep scrolling for some of the most cringeworthy social media posts ever to be made. And don't miss the chat Bored Panda had with business strategist Lisa Larter, about how to keep your reputation intact online.

#1

Musk's Daughter Has Him Nailed

Musk's Daughter Has Him Nailed

Tooth_Background Report

"What you post online is permanent, even if you edit or delete something, it has the potential to live on for many years to come," business strategist Lisa Larter told us during our interview. Larter says it's important to think before you post because you're building your reputation and personal brand every time you share your thoughts, beliefs and feelings online.

"Our thoughts and opinions are nuanced so rarely does one post capture exactly how you feel about something in every scenario but it can cause others to make sweeping assumptions about you," she said. "Rule of thumb, if you wouldn't want what you are about to post to be on television, or the front page of the newspaper, if it wouldn't make your mama proud, don't post it."

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#2

Christians Trying Not To Associate Everything With Them - Challenge Impossible

Christians Trying Not To Associate Everything With Them - Challenge Impossible

Flying_cunt547 Report

Larter advises social media users not to be "a keyboard cowboy and use the internet to vent when you're emotional and upset about something." She adds that you should "be a good human, treat others well."

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"Avoid hot button conversations that are divisive. I get it, everyone has an opinion on things but do you want your opinions to live online? Do you want to alienate others who disagree with you? Try and avoid polarizing conversations unless you feel they will serve your reputation in a positive way," said Larter.

The expert added that business owners should be super careful of their online reputation. "Take care of your customers and you will reduce the likelihood of others saying bad things about you online."

#3

Ordinary People Story!!

Ordinary People Story!!

John_1992_funny Report

More than two thirds of the world's population uses the internet. That’s over 5 billion people glued to their devices, for an average of 6 hours and 35 minutes a day. A 2024 global report revealed that 178 million new users have come online within the last year. And if you think about it, that’s a heck of a lot of people to bear witness to your bad posts and blunders.

It’s more important than ever to think before you post. Not only because you might be outed as a moron. But also for your own safety. Not all the billions of internet users are upstanding citizens. As the University of Alabama in Birmingham warns, there are also “identity thieves, online predators, and bots pretending to be someone else to try and get your information.”

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#4

Well That’s A New Level Of Disgusting

Well That’s A New Level Of Disgusting

OkMiddle9 , ArmandDoma , elonmusk Report

#5

This Number For Our Country Is Embarrassing

This Number For Our Country Is Embarrassing

Own_Conversation1658 Report

#6

Comment Your Opinion If There Was No Rewrite

Comment Your Opinion If There Was No Rewrite

GlooomySundays , jemelehill Report

The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) advises people to consider things very carefully before posting. The internet is forever, and even hitting the delete button after the fact isn’t going to save you. “Posts are like ghosts; you don’t want what you say to haunt you,” reads the NCA site. “This is true even for apps that automatically delete posts, like Snap. Someone who sees it can screenshot or screen-record what you post.”

#7

Time To Shine

Time To Shine

BarronGreen89 , LanceUSA70 Report

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#9

Community Notes Going After Daily Mail's A*s

Community Notes Going After Daily Mail's A*s

Aki008035 , iMailOnline Report

The most obvious advice is not to post anything you don’t want seen, shared or remembered. But there are some other tips to follow while using social media:

  1. Keep your accounts private, hide your friends list and disable search engines from finding you
  2. Don’t publish your personal information, travel plans or your whereabouts
  3. Don’t log onto social media accounts using public wifi connections
  4. Keep your passwords strong and don’t share them 
  5. Enable two-factor authentication
  6. If a message seems suspicious, it probably is
#11

Grimes' Mother Asking Elon Musk Why He Is Withholding His Children's Passports To Prevent Them From Seeing Their Dying Great-Grandmother. This Occurred After Grimes Posted Support For Trans Daughter Vivian

Grimes' Mother Asking Elon Musk Why He Is Withholding His Children's Passports To Prevent Them From Seeing Their Dying Great-Grandmother. This Occurred After Grimes Posted Support For Trans Daughter Vivian

nuttybudd Report

#12

America!

America!

Visqo , oshanada Report

Corporate recruiter and author, Jay Wren advises people to use critical thinking when posting online. But before we get into that, let’s think about what critical thinking actually means. Monash University defines it like this: “A kind of thinking in which you question, analyze, interpret, evaluate and make a judgment about what you read, hear, say, or write. Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgments based on reliable information.”

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"Get the facts before you jump on sharing things online," adds Larter. "When you fail to fact check before you share, you run the risk of making yourself look silly for not pausing before you post."

#14

The American Healthcare System

The American Healthcare System

Coffin_Builder Report

#15

Help My Infant Is Gay Because He Likes Colors

Help My Infant Is Gay Because He Likes Colors

mrdavid119 Report

Wren cautions that we should not confuse beliefs with claims. “Beliefs are convictions or assumptions that a person holds to be true, even if they can’t be proven or disproven... Claims are statements that can be evaluated on evidence,” he writes. He adds that critical thinking requires a balance of considering our beliefs and claims, while still evaluating the evidence and reasoning behind them. Taking Wren’s advice could save you from a serious case of foot in mouth disaster.

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#17

As If Finger Nails Gives Extra Propulsion

As If Finger Nails Gives Extra Propulsion

Glittering-Title-221 Report

#18

Should Someone Tell Her?

Should Someone Tell Her?

rhythmstripp Report

Larter says she’s seen some really dumb stuff posted online. And adds that many people don’t seem to realize just how much social media stupidity can harm their reputation. Larter warns that people check you out before buying from you, and not after.

“I tell my clients when I work with them: ‘Your status updates, profiles, posts, photos and comments are all a reflection of you and how you do business. Your online presence is your first form of social proof and is often the first character check a client does prior to engaging you for business,” writes Larter on her site.

#19

Don't Worry, The Sanctity Of Marriage Will Fix It

Don't Worry, The Sanctity Of Marriage Will Fix It

TheDixonCider420420 Report

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#20

Sure You Did Buddy. We All Know You Aren't Getting Dates

Sure You Did Buddy. We All Know You Aren't Getting Dates

Next_Airport_7230 , NickAdamsinUSA Report

#21

Facts! (False) Facts

Facts! (False) Facts

ProfessorEffit , annvandersteel Report

Larter says some of the most cringeworthy situations she’s seen involve drunk posts or pictures. But adds that people can be just as shocking when sober. Personal attacks on public platforms make Larter reach for the facepalm emoji. "I believe the worst things you can post online are polarizing, divisive and mean spirited rants," she told us.

"People want to be heard, and that is their right. If you are one of those people, be sure to do your research, and know all the facts because what you post may alienate people and or cause public discourse online." Again, Larter says it's particularly important if you're a business owner. "That could cost you business. If you're okay with that, fair game, but if you'd prefer to keep politics out of business, you may want to think carefully about what you have to say."

Larter expands on the issue on her website. “I have seen people do this and I am always in shock at how hateful and disrespectful people can be to each other,” she writes. “Take note – it is you who looks bad when you wage a personal attack on someone in public, no matter how wrong the other person is.”

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#22

Both Of The Boxers Were Cis Women

Both Of The Boxers Were Cis Women

guitarguy12341 , jk_rowling Report

#23

Authoritarian Musk Thinks He's A Resistance Leader

Authoritarian Musk Thinks He's A Resistance Leader

StuartGT , elonmusk Report

#24

Women Wanting To Wear Pants Instead Of Bikini Bottoms Is Woke

Women Wanting To Wear Pants Instead Of Bikini Bottoms Is Woke

WeaponHex1638 , AnthonyCumia Report

If you do mess up, experts advise you to take action. “The worst thing you can do when someone posts a comment or sends a tweet to you is ignore them,” says Larter. “You always have an audience. When you fail to respond, you leave your prospective new client wondering if that is how you will treat them too.”

1832 Communications helps non-profits with their marketing efforts. And has some damage control advice for then things go wrong. The company says online mistakes do happen but what you do afterwards can break or make you.

#25

Pathetic

Pathetic

Nice_Substance9123 Report

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#26

Saving This Bad Boy For Later

Saving This Bad Boy For Later

Far_Department_5564 , elonmusk Report

#27

Omg

Omg

AbelNB Report

Step one is accountability. “The Internet never forgets. Google doesn’t. Screenshots don’t. Own up to the mistake. People make mistakes. No one’s perfect. Claiming your account was hacked is not gonna cut it, especially if later it’s revealed that the errant tweet wasn’t the result of a hack,” reads the 1832 Communications site.

"The best course of action is to apologize for your mistake, show people that you really can see why what you did was dumb and avoid doing the same thing again," Larter told us. "What people and brands should never do is hide from what they have done. Get out in front of it early on and make amends the best you can. We are all human and we make mistakes. If you want your reputation to stay strong, acknowledge when you do, do your best to make it right, and learn from the mistake so you don't repeat it again."

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#28

Derailed His Life Too

Derailed His Life Too

Mr__O__ Report

#29

Their "Gotcha" Moment

Their "Gotcha" Moment

Intelligent-Ball7844 , MahdiBaladi1 Report

#30

Psychopath

Psychopath

Tobias-Tawanda Report

#31

Entitled Much?!?

Entitled Much?!?

Crisgu , serenawilliams Report

#32

We May Have Reached Peak Boomerism

We May Have Reached Peak Boomerism

Spirited-Arugula-672 Report

#33

What The Entire F-Ck

What The Entire F-Ck

Frequent_Course5399 , AmandaMarcotte Report

#34

Consider What Have Been Reported This Last Few Months, I Think He Meant It LOL

Consider What Have Been Reported This Last Few Months, I Think He Meant It LOL

normie_dude Report

#35

Speechless

Speechless

TheAtticusBlake , Corbainius Report

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#36

Hahaha Got Em

Hahaha Got Em

Impressive-Duck697 Report

#37

Getting Offended By Deadpool And Wolverine

Getting Offended By Deadpool And Wolverine

whisperingeye99 Report

#38

Really?

Really?

wpm20151989 , UltraDane Report

#39

How To Fix It?

How To Fix It?

Pasispas , SixBrownChicks Report

#40

Walz Dressed Up His Dog In Gay Clothes!

Walz Dressed Up His Dog In Gay Clothes!

Final_Art_3760 Report

#41

So, Slavery?

So, Slavery?

SqmButBetter Report

#42

Would You Like Your Boneless Wings With Or Without Bone?”

Would You Like Your Boneless Wings With Or Without Bone?”

MaxQ50 , Dexerto Report

#43

*Grabs Popcorn

*Grabs Popcorn

flastenecky_hater , natefishpa/ Report

Add photo comments
POST
David Jeffery
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now THAT'S a reality show I'd watch. As long as they agree to absolutely no help and the camera can always be on

CanadianDimes
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh and let it be a country where they don't speak the same language as said billionaire. PLEASE.

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PeTeH
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Millionaire Mike Black embarked on a daring social experiment, intentionally becoming homeless to prove he could make $1 million in a year However, concerns about his health led him to end the challenge early after facing the harsh realities of homelessness and his own health issues."

Floeckchen
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or they would be beaten up or worse after 5 minutes because they are often insufferable and have the human decency of a wet fart.

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

LET'S DO THIS. Can we start with Elon on North Sentinel Island? He is fat enough for them to have a good snack.

Wietse Pot
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starting out as a billionaire does make it very easy to become a millionaire indeed.

Connie Hirsch
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want Nate Fisher to try this. Has to be a country where he doesn't speak the language.

Lexi
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's because he'd phone his PA to get him the fu©k out of there with his private jet

Randy Klefbeck
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait......they drop a billionaire into a third world country....with five dollars....how does he lose enough of a billion dollars to be a millionaire in a few years?

Jan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we try it and vote on which billionaires get dropped in?

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

Oh God, Please, Please, Please do this. I would buy a new TV and reactivate my cable TV service just for this.

Kathaleen Chivers
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a classic case of constipation of the brain and diarrhea of the mouth.

Analyn Lahr
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not if they had everything f*****g handed to them to their whole life. They'd have no idea what to do with themselves and would likely offend someone within five minutes.

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

They'll take the $5 and make a collect call to daddy to open the trust fund.

Nicky
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the billionaire does a wire transfer? How is this interesting?

Betty
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's essentially the premise of "Tarzan". White baby dropped into a random African country becomes ruler because he is white.

Mary Wood
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A "millionaire" supposedly did something like this, vowing to go from nothing on the streets to making a million in a year. He did make something like $60k obtaining free stuff and reselling it online and got an apartment before ending the experiment because he was having health problems and needed insurance. Read that last part again. There was also, I presume, no mention that he has stellar credit, hence the apartment. He has the education and experience needed to start a business. He has friends and networking and connections. So, nice try Rich A******s.

Miki
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a seed of true. This ppl are psychopaths, and this helps ALOT!

Andi
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny how an educated man does understand what a 3rd world country is, isn't it. first world, the west, second the eastern block, third any country not affiliated to NATO or the eastern block. Technically the closest third world country to UK is Ireland, who are neutral, and they seem to be doing ok. Or Nigeria ... is he in for a surprise this century.

Piwakawaka
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, the billionaire would take advantage of (to say the least) the poor, exploiting them and taking what little money they have. They would still live in a 3rd world country, with nothing, while the billionaire has everything an doesn't use it to benefit anyone else.

Marieke van Buytene
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Millionaire Mike Black tried this and didn't make it - in the Land of Opportunity, no less.

Lisbeth Guz
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The sad part is some people would actually happily give away their money to them so millionaires can "recover" their status".

Surgichick
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, he ( or she) will take advantage in any way, shape or form they can...if that's what you mean?

somnomania (she/her, queer)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not just a 3rd world country, but out in the wilderness of a 3rd world country. drop musk into the depths of the serengeti and see how long he lasts.

EJN
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's do it! Make a list for who goes by airdrop! Elon Musk, Zuckerberg, ...

Sue User
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hear me out. What he says is partialky true. The traits that billionaires have are: willing to screw people over for money, complete lack of regard for the sufferring of others, etc. The only reason they woukd succeed is they are immoral predators.

axle f
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....try and lift yourself by your boot straps. go on...

The Abe
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't that the Segal-praising monologue from On Deadly Ground? Without his toothbrush!

Monoxide
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a millionaire that tried something like this in (I think) New York. He gave up.

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#44

No Words

No Words

Visqo , ksorbs Report

#45

Elon Is Back With Yet Another Stupid Take

Elon Is Back With Yet Another Stupid Take

DramaticFactor7460 Report

#46

Andrew Tate Complains About Racism

Andrew Tate Complains About Racism

iFoegot , Cobratate Report

#47

Some People Have Lost Their Minds

Some People Have Lost Their Minds

Embarrassed-Gas-8155 Report

#48

The Adventures Of Babysitting: Groomer Edition

The Adventures Of Babysitting: Groomer Edition

whisperingeye99 , TheNBACentel Report

#49

No Words

No Words

Visqo , RonFilipkowski Report

#50

Why Is He So Obsessed With A Civil War In Europe

Why Is He So Obsessed With A Civil War In Europe

Firegoun Report

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#51

Twitter's Response To Hate Speech: 'Nothing To See Here

Twitter's Response To Hate Speech: 'Nothing To See Here

MaxQ50 Report

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#52

Dude Is Watching The Olympics For The Wrong Reasons

Dude Is Watching The Olympics For The Wrong Reasons

Visqo Report

#53

You'd Think This Would Be An Easy Win For Us

You'd Think This Would Be An Easy Win For Us

kesavadh Report

#54

I'm Speechless

I'm Speechless

flyingcatwithhorns Report

#55

If You Wanna Know Why The Cybertrucks Fall Apart So Easily, It’s All In Musk’s Biography

If You Wanna Know Why The Cybertrucks Fall Apart So Easily, It’s All In Musk’s Biography

Street-Nectarine1167 Report

#56

US Women’s Rugby Player Takes A Bad Angle Selfie And Idiots Assume She’s Trans

US Women’s Rugby Player Takes A Bad Angle Selfie And Idiots Assume She’s Trans

nonetakenback Report

#57

I Bet He Has A Really Long Line

I Bet He Has A Really Long Line

UnstableIsotopeU-234 Report

#58

Wonder If She's Older Than His Kids

Wonder If She's Older Than His Kids

CBbbgc Report

#59

Guy Thinks His Competitors Will All Be 50+ Year Old Retired Men

Guy Thinks His Competitors Will All Be 50+ Year Old Retired Men

Emotional-Main3195 Report

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#60

Truth Teller Teachers Are Needed

Truth Teller Teachers Are Needed

GlooomySundays Report

#61

Ima Gunna Buy Dat Google

Ima Gunna Buy Dat Google

Big-Vermicelli-4958 Report

#62

Say Buh-Bye To Your Whole Career

Say Buh-Bye To Your Whole Career

IamAS**t_soWhat Report

#63

Imane Khalif’s Next Opponent, The Hungarian Luca Hamori, Posted This On Her Instagram Story. Jesus Christ

Imane Khalif’s Next Opponent, The Hungarian Luca Hamori, Posted This On Her Instagram Story. Jesus Christ

Bitter-Gur-4613 Report

#64

This Is Extremely Embarrassing

This Is Extremely Embarrassing

guitarguy12341 Report

#65

They Are Big Mad

 They Are Big Mad

Nice_Substance9123 , MattWalshBlog Report

#66

Huh?

Huh?

Oirez34 , elonmusk Report

#67

Facepalm

Facepalm

Leather_Hawk_8123 Report

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#68

This Dumb F**k On A Bill Burr Thread

This Dumb F**k On A Bill Burr Thread

J1mSock Report

#69

Interesting Way To Spell "Christian"

Interesting Way To Spell "Christian"

Cicada_5 Report

#70

Prime Prices Plummeted In Europe. Where I Live - Equivalent To 0.64 USD

Prime Prices Plummeted In Europe. Where I Live - Equivalent To 0.64 USD

Minkstix Report

#71

Instagram Incels Are A Sight To Behold

Instagram Incels Are A Sight To Behold

anonburneraccoun Report