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There's a sarcastic saying: "Well, if it's on the Internet, it must be true." But you don't have to be a veteran of the internet to know that you can't take 90% of what's on there seriously. And most people know that. In one study, only 2% of the respondents said they expect others to be honest online.

"Everyone lies on the internet," people say. Yet some people invent lies that are so ridiculous it's obvious there's not an ounce of truth in what they're posting. The subreddit r/thatHappened collects these types of lies, and here we have the newest selection of their best posts.

More info: Reddit

#1

“Don’t Bother Coming Back To The Class!”

Text post showing an outrageous lie about a student’s college history class and homeschooling claim that everyone actually clapped.

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Because the the whole of the curriculum at university is about learning one significant date only.

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    #2

    Yes That Totally Happened

    Screenshot of social media comments showing outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real in a viral thread.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Hey guys! Let's embarrass the mute kid! " Five minutes later... "Well he sure showed us!"

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    #3

    Mother Takes 6 Year Old Daughter On A Date

    Text post sharing an outrageous lie about a date where a child demands steak and wine, highlighting unbelievable stories.

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    It's not hard to guess why we lie on the Internet. We want other people to like us – to think we're cooler, richer, braver, prettier, or more stylish than we actually are. In an age where a big part of our lives is online, it boosts our self-esteem and helps us feel better about ourselves in the process.

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    A person's image on social media can be like a well-curated dating profile. We have the power to present ourselves in the best light possible and to omit the things we don't like about ourselves. When we interact with others, we have extra time to come up with witty comebacks we wouldn't otherwise have in real life.

    #4

    It's The Broken English That Really Makes This 100% True

    Text message exchange showing a cleaning lady wishing Happy Pride with humorous language in outrageous lies content.

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    Lily bloom
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is cute and i just see someone being supportive of something even if they dont completely understand. Why not?

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    #5

    Like 800 Letters A Minute?

    Person showing paper and pen with online comments about outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in the 90s, during one of my first semesters of community college, I had a philosophy class that was SO boring that I would literally fall asleep in class, so I started ditching it. I DID read the textbook and syllabus, I just didn't attend class. Our entire grade was contingent on one midterm test and one final test. I took those tests (the midterm was multiple-choice: any of y'all remember Scantron forms? XD ) and the final was a written test (in a Blue Book!) But the final only needed to be at least two pages long. I managed to pass the class even though I'd ditched most of it (I got a C, lol.) Even THAT story sounds made-up to me (and I lived it!) so I KNOW that OP is just spouting BS. Unless the 12 "pages" were 12 Post-It notes, you don't physically have enough time to write out 12 pages of coherent, readable words in 45 minutes.

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    Interestingly, researchers find that people tend to be more honest online than they are in real life. Jeff Hancock, a communication and psychology researcher at Stanford University, explains that we tend to feel more accountable in our personal communications online than in real life.

    "Our research shows that when we get people to review their personal communications, they find that their online messages are more honest than their face-to-face interactions or phone calls," Hancock pointed out in 2018.

    #7

    That’s Not… How Ebt Works…

    Screenshot of a social media comment accusing someone of abusing the food stamp system with outrageous claims.

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    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #8

    And Then A Single Tear Rolled Down The Pilot’s Eye…

    Tweet showing a story about a man rushing to his twin daughters' father-daughter dance, linked to outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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

    I don't believe it, but it would have been so cool...

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    So, are we lying less online than we lie in real life? Yes, but only to our close circle of friends. Hancock and his team explain that there are two online spaces we inhabit. The first is the "inside world": our friends, colleagues, family members, and acquaintances that we have in our contacts on social media. The "outside world" is the rest of the internet that we don't know personally.

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    Our communication with our "inside world" tends to be more honest since it's all people that we know. We can't lie about ourselves (or others) too much because friends and acquaintances will most likely call us out on it. 

    In the "outside world," however, we feel much braver. That's why comment sections tend to be breeding grounds for angry little goblins: "There are little to no reputation costs for people to lie online," Hancock explains.

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    #14

    Em Wow The Resemblance Is Remarkable

    Young man from Leeds mistaken for Justin Bieber in one of the outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have problems with recognising faces and even I'm not fooled.

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    #15

    Workplace Demanded Jk Rowling Purity Pledge... Yeah Sure

    Stack of Harry Potter books in a wooden box with text about refusing to say JK Rowling was transphobic at work.

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    Still, our personas on social media can wildly deviate from how we really are in real life. A 2015 study investigated people's "Facebook-self" and found that many users count their Facebook persona as different from their real self.

    The researchers studied 258 Facebook users and found that those with low self-esteem and "low trait authenticity" are more likely to present a different "self" online.

    #16

    Random Person Is Being Surveilled By The Government

    Screenshot of a social media thread sharing an outrageous lie about a phone call being mysteriously recorded.

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    #17

    "We're Taking Out Little Girls Uteruses Here" -Very Real Hospital Management Staff

    Screenshot of an outrageous lie shared on social media, illustrating outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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

    When a grown adult with a uterus ask for a hysterectomy 99% of the doctors say no, and you want me to believe that they would do that willingly to children ?? HA.HA.HA

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    #18

    Bro To Bro Recognize

    Screenshot of a tweet sharing an outrageous lie people tried to pass off as real about expensive wine and bro code moments.

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    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He saw the popular meme about this very topic and decided to try his [badly-written] version because he thought itd make him look good. It doesn’t.

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    Sometimes, we lie on social media because we feel pressured. Who hasn't felt FOMO when scrolling through a friend's Instagram profile, feeling a pang of jealousy about how stylish they are, and how easy and awesome their life seems? Those of us who grew up with social media are in danger of developing unrealistic expectations about achievements and appearance.

    #21

    He's Not Joking, He Said No Joke Twice!

    Screenshot of a social media comment showing one of the outrageous lies people actually tried to pass off as real.

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They forgot to add that they also turn green and their clothes rip

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    Alyssa Acosta, APCC, head of the Adolescent Partial Hospital Program at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health, explains that, upon seeing perfection on social media, young people might feel inadequate and start struggling with low self-esteem and body dysmorphia.

    To battle our feelings of low self-esteem, we try to look for validation and approval online. Some folks even go so far as to post about how sad they are to gain sympathy. Researchers have actually given a name for this: "sadfishing." You, too, probably have that friend who feigns depression or sadness online from time-to-time to get some attention.

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    #26

    Watch Out Guys, You Don’t Wanna Be Near The Reaper When His Eyes Turn Blue 😈🥶

    Screenshot of an outrageous lie where someone claims to have won a 6 vs 1 school fight with six dead bodies.

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    Professor of Media Psychology at Fielding Graduate University Pamela Rutledge, Ph.D., M.B.A. suggests that the internet itself doesn't make us more dishonest. "Honesty is about people. We lose sight of the fact that for every opportunity to be dishonest online, there are as many offline." Perhaps those who lie online would do so just as enthusiastically in real life, too.

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    #28

    Children Very Concerned About Food Coloring

    Two children walking outside with text about outrageous lies and kids' reactions to breakfast food dye.

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    Ellinor
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Children repeat what they hear, so I'd just say that you're a very rigid parent and that your kids are going to have an ED in a few years.

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    #29

    Sure, Susan, Everyone Cheered

    Text post sharing an outrageous lie about a barman cheering and people clapping in a bar setting.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only way this happened, is if everyone was so tipsy that they only need to hear the word 'pint' to start cheering 😄

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    But what about these ridiculous stories, Pandas? Do you think people would have the stones to recount these in real life? Let us know which ones you found the most absurd and funny in the comments! And while you're here, don't forget to check out our previous posts about the r/thatHappened subreddit here and here!

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    #31

    It’s So Weird When People Voice Their Personal Opinions Through Fake Narratives Involving Their Kid

    Child in a pink sombrero in a kitchen, caption about outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real moments.

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    #34

    This Mystery Man’s Handwriting Is Absolutely 100% Totally His

    Bouquet of white roses with a card and stacked cash, illustrating outrageous lies people actually tried to pass off as real.

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    #35

    Strong Man And His In-Laws

    Screenshot of a tweet sharing an outrageous lie humorously involving political opinions and family conflict.

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    Motivated sloth
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Political affiliation aside, I wouldn’t want my daughter to marry a man who thinks she’s weak just because she’s a woman.

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    #36

    The Guy In The Car Next To Them Then Unfortunately Wrecked Because He Was Clapping Instead Of Driving

    Comment on a social media post describing an outrageous lie involving clapping and thumbs up while driving, illustrating outrageous lies.

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    K Barnes
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop for 10 minutes and actually focus on enjoying your food, people. Also, is it not easy to grab a fry with one hand without looking while driving VS having someone pushing something into your face while you drive?

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    #37

    I Believe It

    Screenshot of an outrageous lie comment about a random dude whistling Hunger Games notes causing a Health Insurance office to close.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because they all had seen the Hunger Games and knew what the sound meant. I would not have a clue.

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    #38

    Everyone Actually Clapped

    Social media post sharing an outrageous lie about people clapping after a random national anthem played on the radio.

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    Donna Peluda
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was this in 1984, cos I'm getting real 1984 vibes from USA at the moment..like Naranjito has even changed the enemies you are supposed to hate. Now it the democratic nations.

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    #39

    I Don't Know Why But I Get Second Hand Embarrassment To Music Related Things Like This

    A humorous letter from a neighbor praising music, featured in outrageous lies people actually tried to pass off as real.

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    #40

    Yeah, Sure Lady

    Screenshot of a social media post sharing an outrageous lie about a vanilla body lotion scent causing public reactions.

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    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And two floors up in the accounting office some guy was saying to his coworkers "and I asked again and again but she wouldn't give me any of that French toast"

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    #41

    This Guy Is Frequently The Witty, Undefeated Hero In A Lot Of His Stories. And Everyone Just Eats It Up

    Screenshot of a social media post sharing an outrageous lie people tried to pass off as real, causing laughter at Starbucks.

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    #44

    Who The Hell Can’t See The Difference Between A Video And A Zoom Meeting??

    Screenshot of a humorous outrageous lie where someone mistakes a Zoom meeting for a video, showing an investor laughing.

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    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean if the video was full screen and she only caught a glimpse of what her dad was looking at, I can see this happening.

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    #45

    Like The Secret Service Would Let This Happen

    Screenshot of a social media post showing a controversial political protest story with outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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    #46

    My Six Year Solved In 30 Seconds!

    Social media post showing a math challenge labeled only for genius, related to outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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    Motivated sloth
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If that is only for geniuses I need to call Mensa and find out where my membership is.

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    #47

    It’s True, I Was The Cave She Was Hidden In…

    Text message screenshot discussing outrageous lies about school counselors overstepping parents rights in a shocking story.

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    #48

    "Sir," With Tears In Eyes, Blah, Blah, Blah

    Eric Trump speaking in a car during a Newsmax broadcast, part of outrageous lies people actually tried to pass off as real.

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    #49

    Unknown Conspiracy Theorist Is The Main Character In This Election

    Tweet claiming tech issues after endorsing a president, illustrating outrageous lies people tried to pass off as real.

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    #50

    The Awkward What Now?

    Social media post showing an outrageous lie about vaccination and unvaccinated people in America.

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    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that silence is more likely due to all the people that needlessly died of covid .

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    Note: this post originally had 78 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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