ADVERTISEMENT

If a photo on Instagram looks too good to be true, it probably is. Even though the platform can be a wonderful and inspiring place, full of beautiful and artistic images, oftentimes it's misleading, too. Photography "tricks" and post-production dissolves the difference between real and fake. And some people try to make use of it, turning their looks into what they think society desires.

Eventually, it got so bad, a counter-movement emerged on Reddit in 2017. The community is called Instagram Reality, and it is dedicated to "exposing" these personas, trying to stop the spread of unreachable ideals and unrealistic expectations. To do so, it is posting side-by-side pics of how Instagrammers look online and in real life.

Bored Panda has already written about the subreddit (most recent articles here, here, and here), but it continues to dig out more and more... "specimens", so we gotta keep up; the pictures are getting more and more ridiculous.

#1

Found On A Dating App. I Am Genuinely Concerned

Found On A Dating App. I Am Genuinely Concerned

reddit.com Report

In 2019, Marika Tiggemann and Isabella Anderberg released a study called "Social media is not real: The effect of 'Instagram vs reality' images on women’s social comparison and body image." The research revealed that such images have the power to limit the impact social media posts have on our mental health.

As part of the study, a group of women were randomly assigned to view one of three sets of images: "Instagram vs reality" images, the 'ideal' side alone, or just the 'real' side. When women viewed either the real or comparison posts, researchers noticed that the identification or complete avoidance of the 'perfect' images as fake could "disrupt the comparison process," reducing the negative impact on body image and actually decreasing body dissatisfaction. 

#2

I Thinks She's So Beautiful Without The Photoshop. Body Dysmorphia Is Real

I Thinks She's So Beautiful Without The Photoshop. Body Dysmorphia Is Real

reddit.com Report

"Results suggest that the popular quote 'Comparison is the thief of joy'… has some truth to it," Renee Engeln, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, writes for Psychology Today. "However, it seems to matter who the target of your comparison is. We may have more luck accepting our own bodies if we see more realistic and diverse representations of other bodies in our social media feeds.

ADVERTISEMENT

"By following users who regularly challenge the frequent phoniness of Instagram posts, we can practice appreciating the diversity of human bodies and perhaps learn to appreciate our own bodies along the way."

#4

Pores You Say?

Pores You Say?

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
varwenea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, so fake. While they're at it, should have changed her teeth and gave the other one a real Chanel pendant. Why not do it all?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

A Beautiful 51 Year Old Woman Who Doesn’t Need The Facetune

A Beautiful 51 Year Old Woman Who Doesn’t Need The Facetune

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mimi777
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone ages. It’s part of life. She’s still beautiful. And looks great for 51.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

Photographer Trying To Claim That The Long Legs Are Only Due To “Angling”

Photographer Trying To Claim That The Long Legs Are Only Due To “Angling”

reddit.com Report

#8

When The Mirror Lets You Down

When The Mirror Lets You Down

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#10

That Foot Said, “Mr. Stark? Don’t Feel So Good.”

That Foot Said, “Mr. Stark? Don’t Feel So Good.”

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Louchebert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's no foot!! That's a pirates stump!! Foot stumpin' all over the place, what is a boy to do?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Photoshopped A Lambo Logo On Her Honda, The Blue One In The Back Also Looks Fake

Photoshopped A Lambo Logo On Her Honda, The Blue One In The Back Also Looks Fake

reddit.com Report

#13

A German Reality TV Star On Instagram vs. On TV

A German Reality TV Star On Instagram vs. On TV

reddit.com Report

#15

Rtx On

Rtx On

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Evelína Zlá
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he would take of his shirt in front of me and look like that.. I think I'll run away... screaming...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Original vs. What She Posted

Original vs. What She Posted

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Bro..... Seriously

Bro..... Seriously

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kosh1k
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, there's overzealous use of filters and photoshop (Eerily bright teeth and skin). But you can tell it's the same guy, and it doesn't slip too far into "uncanney valley" territory.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Delusion

Delusion

reddit.com Report

#20

The Only Photos She Posts Anymore Are Pictures Of Models With Her Face Photoshopped In Instead

The Only Photos She Posts Anymore Are Pictures Of Models With Her Face Photoshopped In Instead

reddit.com Report

#22

I Genuinely Don't Understand This. She Does This All The Time. She Doesn't Even Slightly Resemble Herself

I Genuinely Don't Understand This. She Does This All The Time. She Doesn't Even Slightly Resemble Herself

reddit.com Report

#23

2 In 3 Use Photoshop

2 In 3 Use Photoshop

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Louchebert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah... but which two??? If only someone could shine a light or something...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

I Didn't See It Until The Direct Comparison

I Didn't See It Until The Direct Comparison

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Popcorn Colonel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, he just wears a ton of makeup not hate from me thou. Love his message. <3

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

That guy is a nasty piece of work, ugly both inside and outside.

Marina
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

If you're talking about the Tati incident then you seriously need to do some objective research before publicly bashing another human being like that, especially one that's almost still a teenager. I'm not a huge fan of his personality but I know he received a lot of hate because of Tati and the others and while I don't support everything he does, he didn't deserve that hatred at all.

Load More Replies...
Nikki Sevven
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Overlining your natural lip line doesn't make your lips look fuller; it just makes it look like you screwed up your makeup.

Trying so hard thinking
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did she hurt herself scratching her face with fingernails? Did she try gouge his eyes out? So many questions, so few answers....

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

Try Halloween?... God people really love being hateful for no reason, don't they?

Load More Replies...
Paula Carr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nose is definitely 'shopped, but it's not heavy-handed, so it looks more natural.

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

This is why you don’t get those ridiculous sharp fake acrylic nails- look what happens when you try to blow your nose.

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

All y’all fightin’ about James Charles, and I’m over here askin’ if that’s REALLY Kylie Jenner in the top photo?! It seriously does NOT look like her. Like, at. ALL.

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

Look at the narrow jawline and other softened features. There is no man in this photo.

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

I love the message that James is spreading, and I don’t know him, and neither do most of you! So why are some of you hating on a person that you have never met?

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

Of course they are both photoshopped. You think Kylie would approve a picture that she is in that looked unflattering? She sells an image. It has to be perfect. And JC has been photoshopped too, duh. Look at the hairline..

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

she appeared in his video with zero makeup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUYT9s-oPNc

Load More Replies...
Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Kardashians are always trying to Photoshop away the ugly.

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

For those of you who don't know what this video is about: This is James Charles with Kylie Jenner doing a Halloween makeup look on her. I agree it doesn't look good, but the only person I dislike in this photo is Kylie lol

Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s not about who Katy likes though, this isn’t a Katy’s fave celebs list. This is just showing photoshop, which he clearly is using.

Load More Replies...
Orange Mountain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

James Charles creeps me out a bit 😟 cause of the amount of makeup he uses

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

You think, he's been photoshopped? Like the new "attacked by a tiger " look

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

WTF! This is ridiculous. If we all boycotted these creatures they would stop with this nonsense.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#26

Her Billboard vs. A Pic From An Interview

Her Billboard vs. A Pic From An Interview

reddit.com Report

#27

When You Get So Tan That Even Your Eyes Get Darker. (Summer 2018 On Left vs. Summer 2020)

When You Get So Tan That Even Your Eyes Get Darker. (Summer 2018 On Left vs. Summer 2020)

reddit.com Report

#28

Her Promo Pic On Social Media vs. Photo From Her Promo Event

Her Promo Pic On Social Media vs. Photo From Her Promo Event

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Natalia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh god! That's just so sad. Too many wrong messages they're getting to young people, damaging their confidence and making them believe that flaws or ageing is something wrong.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

She Has 217k Followers On Insta

She Has 217k Followers On Insta

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She was actually on Greece's Next Top Model as a plus size model and she was actually pretty good. She knows how to pose and how to make beautiful expressions with her face. But this picture on the right is just... it just isn't her. I don't understand why they're doing this. She is a beautiful girl.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#30

Found One In The Wild. They Really Expect Us To Believe That Her Waist Is Real

Found One In The Wild. They Really Expect Us To Believe That Her Waist Is Real

reddit.com Report

#31

I Think A Lot Of People Don’t Realise How Much This Girl Edits Her Photos

I Think A Lot Of People Don’t Realise How Much This Girl Edits Her Photos

reddit.com Report

#32

Look At The Face... Look At The Hand... Look At The Phone!

Look At The Face... Look At The Hand... Look At The Phone!

reddit.com Report

#33

It's Sad That He Edits Himself This Much. The Edit Doesn't Even Look Human

It's Sad That He Edits Himself This Much. The Edit Doesn't Even Look Human

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#34

Saw In The Wild On Facebook... Caption Was "Elegance Is The Only Beauty That Never Fades"

Saw In The Wild On Facebook... Caption Was "Elegance Is The Only Beauty That Never Fades"

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a good thing his eyebrows are so heavy or else his ego would have made him float.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Instagram-vs.-Reality-Fake-Real-Images

Instagram-vs.-Reality-Fake-Real-Images

reddit.com Report

#36

Just So... Processed

Just So... Processed

reddit.com Report

#39

These Are All The Same Person

These Are All The Same Person

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
I'manoob!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but what exactly does she hope to accomplish with her very distinct edits?!?!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Posted vs. Tagged. Same Event

Posted vs. Tagged. Same Event

reddit.com Report

#41

Insta Versus A Still From Her Mom's Show

Insta Versus A Still From Her Mom's Show

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#43

Why Is There So Much Effort Put Into Looking Like A Caricature?

Why Is There So Much Effort Put Into Looking Like A Caricature?

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe that's the game though? The point is to play around and see how doll like you can make yourself look.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Croatian Singer. Yes This Is The Same Perosn

Croatian Singer. Yes This Is The Same Perosn

reddit.com Report

#46

TV Show vs. Instagram. That's A Lot Of Editing

TV Show vs. Instagram. That's A Lot Of Editing

reddit.com Report

#47

Online Versus At A Photo Op

Online Versus At A Photo Op

reddit.com Report

#48

Left Is From Her Fb Live This Morning. Right Is Right After The Live In One Of Her Many Stories

Left Is From Her Fb Live This Morning. Right Is Right After The Live In One Of Her Many Stories

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Louchebert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By the looks of it, it must have been a hell of a ride that rough life she's led...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

This Honestly Scared Me. I Couldn’t Believe This Was The Same Person

This Honestly Scared Me. I Couldn’t Believe This Was The Same Person

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Very Realistic Bums

Very Realistic Bums

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Select first butt... CTRL-C... select second butt... CTRL-V... Ready!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#51

Instagram Photos vs. Video Screenshot

Instagram Photos vs. Video Screenshot

reddit.com Report

#52

Instagram Fiction vs. Reality

Instagram Fiction vs. Reality

reddit.com Report

#54

Instagram vs. Unedited Online Store Pic

Instagram vs. Unedited Online Store Pic

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
I'manoob!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks beautiful on the right, the left...*sigh* I- we- we're just not going to talk about it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

Post vs. Video Screenshot

Post vs. Video Screenshot

reddit.com Report

#56

Smoothed Into Another Person

Smoothed Into Another Person

reddit.com Report

#57

Posted On The Same Instagram, 1 Month Apart. Same Picture. Has To Be. Not Even Hiding How Much Photoshopping Is Done

Posted On The Same Instagram, 1 Month Apart. Same Picture. Has To Be. Not Even Hiding How Much Photoshopping Is Done

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#58

This Sub Made Me Realise That You Can't Trust All Of What You See On Social Media

This Sub Made Me Realise That You Can't Trust All Of What You See On Social Media

reddit.com Report

#60

New Purple Eyeliner, Brought To You By Ms Paint

New Purple Eyeliner, Brought To You By Ms Paint

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Erin Kavik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MS Paint would do a better job on what was likely a high resolution image if you know how to use it.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

Unedited On TV vs. A Selfie On Her Friend’s Story

Unedited On TV vs. A Selfie On Her Friend’s Story

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
JessG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should see her friend! (Larissa from 90 day Fiance)

#63

Post For Her Own Clothing Company vs. Still From A Sponsored Ad Video. Both Posted On The Same Day

Post For Her Own Clothing Company vs. Still From A Sponsored Ad Video. Both Posted On The Same Day

reddit.com Report

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

Urgh Gemma Collins. She's got a horrible personality, real delusions of grandeur situation.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#65

Found On My Local Community Page. They Were Legit Display Photos Straight After Each Other In Her Reel

Found On My Local Community Page. They Were Legit Display Photos Straight After Each Other In Her Reel

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Louchebert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must say... yellow fever does make people look somewhat slimmer...

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#66

These Are All The Same Person

These Are All The Same Person

reddit.com Report

#67

This Model Posted This Herself To Prove That She Didn't Edit Her Body But Like Girl, Your Face!

This Model Posted This Herself To Prove That She Didn't Edit Her Body But Like Girl, Your Face!

reddit.com Report

#69

Nfl Player’s Wife, Her Posted Pic vs. A Video He Posted

Nfl Player’s Wife, Her Posted Pic vs. A Video He Posted

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#70

Instagram On The Left, Reality Show On The Right

Instagram On The Left, Reality Show On The Right

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ERIKA H.
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This just looks like weight gain (or loss, depending on which was taken first). This just comes across as fat shaming, which isn't cool

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#71

Why Do They Keep Doing This?! Girl You've Had TV Cameras Follow You Around Your Entire Life. We Know What You Look Like!

Why Do They Keep Doing This?! Girl You've Had TV Cameras Follow You Around Your Entire Life. We Know What You Look Like!

reddit.com Report

#72

Even If You Take Away The Horrible Makeup Choices, She Goes Way Overboard With The Filters And Photoshop

Even If You Take Away The Horrible Makeup Choices, She Goes Way Overboard With The Filters And Photoshop

reddit.com Report

#73

Her Instagram Post vs. Her Story Video

Her Instagram Post vs. Her Story Video

imgur.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#74

Apparently, This Guy Is A Venezuelan Actor/Model

Apparently, This Guy Is A Venezuelan Actor/Model

reddit.com Report

#75

This Clothing Company Decided To Edit Just One Photo On The Listing For These Sweats, But Not The Others

This Clothing Company Decided To Edit Just One Photo On The Listing For These Sweats, But Not The Others

reddit.com Report

#76

His Instagram Pics Versus Real Life Video Screenshots

His Instagram Pics Versus Real Life Video Screenshots

reddit.com Report

#79

Curvy White Line. This Sub Has Made Me So Much More Aware Of How Much Pictures Are Edited And Stopped Me Judging Myself Against Edited Images

Curvy White Line. This Sub Has Made Me So Much More Aware Of How Much Pictures Are Edited And Stopped Me Judging Myself Against Edited Images

reddit.com Report

#80

Dutch TV Personally. Left Is From The TV Show, Right Is The Picture She Posted

Dutch TV Personally. Left Is From The TV Show, Right Is The Picture She Posted

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It seems that's she worldfamous in a tiny part of one of the tiniest countries in the world.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#81

It Is So Insidious How She Preaches "Body Positivity" And Healing Your Relationship With Food/Self-Worth While Manipulating Her Own Body Through Pads, Filters, Photoshop, Etc. She Is Putting Her Own Pride, And Obsession With Attaining An "Hourglass" Over All Else To The Detriment Of Her Followers

It Is So Insidious How She Preaches "Body Positivity" And Healing Your Relationship With Food/Self-Worth While Manipulating Her Own Body Through Pads, Filters, Photoshop, Etc. She Is Putting Her Own Pride, And Obsession With Attaining An "Hourglass" Over All Else To The Detriment Of Her Followers

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#82

Video Thumbnail vs. Video Screenshot. It's Almost Like Two Different People

Video Thumbnail vs. Video Screenshot. It's Almost Like Two Different People

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kyle D
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not seeing this one, this could just be a different angle with his mouth opened more & eyebrows raised which makes his face seem slimmer. At least I'm presuming that's where the assumed photoshop is located.

View more commentsArrow down menu