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."

#3

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

reddit.com Report

#4

Pores You Say?

Pores You Say?

reddit.com Report

#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

#6

I'm No Doctor But Her Head Is Small

I'm No Doctor But Her Head Is Small

reddit.com Report

#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
#9

What Is Happening?

What Is Happening?

reddit.com Report

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

#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

#12

It’s A Helluva Drug...

It’s A Helluva Drug...

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

#14

What Is Going On Here Honestly

What Is Going On Here Honestly

reddit.com Report

#15

Rtx On

Rtx On

reddit.com Report

#16

Original vs. What She Posted

Original vs. What She Posted

reddit.com Report

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

I don’t get it,really. People will see you in person,people already know you,who are you trying to fool?

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

one of the most usual things i notest is how insecure beautiful people are. I mean, look at her...

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

again another pretty girl with mental health issues , she doesn't need Photoshop .

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

She even photoshopped the girl next to her. At lest she wanted to make everyone look ‘better’?

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

This Idea of small hips and big ...and .....is there from the ancient times that is the only thing we humans haven't evolved from women should feel that they are beautiful and hot no matter what 😃

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

What? Small hips and big and? What does that mean? Small hips are definitely not a trend.

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

Note the smaller waist and bigger breasts. Wondering what excuse she’ll have for the poor guy she hooks up with her, based on the enhanced photo! Nothing at all wrong with the original. Why can’t people just be themselves?!

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

She already looks pretty. What's sad is that she not only reduced her already thin waist, she also changed her face dramatically. Made her eyes and lips bigger. Big eyes and lips are beautiful but so are small eyes and lips. Embrace your unique self.

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

There's nothing sexy about not appearing human. Is she trying to attract an extra-terrestial?

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

she is very sexy and doesnt need this. besides it looks unreal, the 2nd photo

Not Important
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do these people find the original?? Seems like the OP wouldn't have posted it, since they took the time to Photoshop it....just sayin...these threads are likely lies

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

I think it's funny people that post images like this don't consider the massive bending walls

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

Looks the forearm in between the 2 girls, even the “original” looks photoshopped.

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

Why did she make her boobs bigger? why did she change her nose? she went from normal to robot!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

When Her Legs Are Taller Than You

When Her Legs Are Taller Than You

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Bro..... Seriously

Bro..... Seriously

reddit.com Report

#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

#21

Instagram Post vs. Tagged Pic

Instagram Post vs. Tagged Pic

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

#24

Her Upper Body Looks Absolutely Disturbing In Her Edit

Her Upper Body Looks Absolutely Disturbing In Her Edit

reddit.com Report

#25

I Didn't See It Until The Direct Comparison

I Didn't See It Until The Direct Comparison

reddit.com Report

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

#29

She Has 217k Followers On Insta

She Has 217k Followers On Insta

reddit.com Report

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

#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

#37

In The Photo vs. In The Video

In The Photo vs. In The Video

reddit.com Report

#38

Does This Count?

Does This Count?

reddit.com Report

#39

These Are All The Same Person

These Are All The Same Person

reddit.com Report

#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
#42

Bendy Siding, So Hot Right Now

Bendy Siding, So Hot Right Now

reddit.com Report

#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

#44

Found On German Reality TV

Found On German Reality TV

reddit.com Report

#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

#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

#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

#53

2016 vs. 2020

2016 vs. 2020

reddit.com Report

#54

Instagram vs. Unedited Online Store Pic

Instagram vs. Unedited Online Store Pic

reddit.com Report

#55

Post vs. Video Screenshot

Post vs. Video Screenshot

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#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

#59

Instagram Pic vs. Tagged Pic

Instagram Pic vs. Tagged Pic

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

#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
#62

Seriously?

Seriously?

reddit.com Report

#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

#64

Ig vs. Twitch Stream

Ig vs. Twitch Stream

reddit.com Report

#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

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

#68

Lies!

Lies!

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

#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

#77

I Just Don't Get It

I Just Don't Get It

reddit.com Report

#78

This Star Consistently Photoshops Her Chin

This Star Consistently Photoshops Her Chin

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

#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