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!
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Absolutely Unreal 🙃👇
The Truth Hurts
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.
They Should've Trust Him
These Social Media Influencing Is Getting Out Of Hand
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.”
Something Important
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.
Good Guys With Guns Not Allowed?
When You Pretend To Be Religious
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.
Man
America
Also, look at the number of millionaire Republicans that held their hands out too.
By Watching Movies For Several Hours Is A Waste?
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.”
How Come Women Have Freedom
I Have A Question
America
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?
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.
“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.
American Cops Scare Me
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.
Epstein Maxxing 🏎️
He knew exactly what is in there and his name crops up often.
Just Well
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.
Either way, it's going to be a looooooong list.
Load More Replies...I can name instances of it that were still happening in the 20th century- Magdalen laundries in Ireland and residential schools in Canada.
Add in pogroms in the Russian Empire and terrifyingly Poland *after* WW2. And schools in Australia & the US. But yes...
Load More Replies...No witches were burned at Salem - they were hanged, and one was pressed to death with rocks. Still, that was a terrible time.
Load More Replies...e.g. “Manifest Destiny” and millions of Native Americans killed by European colonizers.
I'm from Russia. Putin's pet priests of so-called Russian Orthodox Church keep making speeches on TV and live about how good is it to кill and die "for motherland" in Ukraine.
Jeez Stripey, let me introduce you to -- roughly -- all of recorded history, including, but not limited to the number of times entire countries decided that protestants needed to be burned alive (hello Bloody Mary Tudor) for practicing Christianity differently.
There are literally dozens of Christian children armies in Africa that conscript children to die in battle in the name of your lower case g god
The Spanish come to mind. They had a document called Requimento, which basically said to Native Tribes in Central and South America convert to Christianity, or die! The document literally states the Spanish had the right to kill anyone who did not convert to Christianity.
only one no, just saying it I can think of 3 or 4 without even giving it a second though.
The THREE Crusades....."Repent and honor ONLY the God of Peace--or we'll k**l you..."
To be fair, the Christians stopped their crusades in the 13th century and have since evolved. Whereas another major religion (I won't name) is currently still attacking and killing people to this day in the name of religion. Big difference.
the crusades, i*********n, burning witches, enslaving people torturing them and separating families, wiping out whole native peoples villages...oh so many.
is there a character limit on BP, cause its going to be a long one XD
I heard that the KKK is attended by a lot of Christians. You know... slavery was approved by the bible.
I imagine most hate crimes in which gay and/or trans people are beaten, tortured, and/or killed are done because god “wants” it, or “hates them,” or some other religious reason, in addition to the many listed in the history books. (I suspect home schooling in this fool’s case.)
My "fav" is when the Cathars somewher in France was k!lled because they followed a "wrong" way of Christian faith. The army's leader was asked by one of his men how they were to distinguish the Cathars from the "normal" people and the leader said: just kill them all and let God judge them when he sees them. (I learned about this at the uni about 15 years ago and I still think about it from time to time).
This is the very definition of "OK, I walked into that one..."
No. I can't. It is integral to the faith to be in "gods army". Don't get me started, it's a long list.
i am so glad so many people actually know some of these, since you try talking about half of this in my town you get told it never happened (i live in Australia in a christian majority town, a country that was enslaved by the brits and treated the original inhabitants terribly for years like they did everywhere else in the name of god, sadly i come from the first setters who did it-)
Exactly how much time to you have? I'm trying to think of a counter example, but not coming up with anything.
Or massacre of the Incas and Aztecs by the Spaniards with the sword and cross.
Old Testament was (proto) Judaism*, you're looking for the New Testament. *I say proto because it differs somewhat from most strands of modern-day Judaism and notably still bears some traces of the pantheon before. I'd categorize it as 'monolatry', or 'multiple gods exist but this one is the biggest and most powerful', primarily due to the Ten Commandments, which state 'You shall have no other gods _before Me_' [emphasis added obviously]. Not 'No other gods', but you can't say these other gods are more powerful. There's also other major differences, primarily regarding sacrifices, but it wouldn't be too unreasonable to categorize old testament 'Judaism' as a separate religion from today's Judaism.
Load More Replies...the crusades, the holocaust, witch hunts...but OP is right...it is hard to choose just one
Most of the people like Stripe have no actual knowledge of facts. They usually haven't even read the bible. They just hear what the guy at the pulpit says.
Joan of Arc, Hypatia of Alexandria, every person accused of witchcraft, Moors and Jews in Spain during the reconquista and inquisition, the Knights of Saint John (Hospitalers) who would sink the boats of Muslims going on Hajj, 2-4 million French killed in battles between Catholics and Huguenots, Spanish Conquistadores and Missionaries, American settlers going west, give some an idealogy and they'll find a reason to kill because of it.
Oh dear. This generation believes what they think. Fact is an unknown factor. Research is boring.
Well ,not a Christian, but since the last Crusade was over 750 years ago, and Christians didn't commit the holocaust, you could argue that Christians have grown up and become more accepting and civilized over the centuries.
Sure, if you ignore things like the persecution of the Huguenots in France, the Catholics in England, the 30 years war, the entire history of the Spanish empire in North America, the Indian boarding schools in both Canada & the USA, & FYI, there were plenty of Christians who took part in running the Holocaust. Edited to add: Forgot to include the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Load More Replies...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.”
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.
Makes No Sense
I get why people rip on America, but bear in mind 2 facts. 1. We are 250 years old, compared to some countries many times older. 2. We have a horrible history of slavery and trying to conquer. So do the early days of many other countries. I know the US needs A LOT of work, hopefully things will change.
Everything's Going To Be Alt-Right
To Make America “Great”
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.
Maybe Teachers Should Get A Raise?
I Don’t Even Know What To Say
Nope, All Above The Law
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.
People Are Monsters…
Sorry to be persnickity, but this behavior is EVIL, not idiotic. Hope that clears things up.
Right Wing Groups Afraid People Will Learn What Happens When You Oppose Them In Texas
Delusional People
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.
Did The Mistake Of Calling My Coworker Bro
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.
Can't Like Fit Girls Without Being Gay
Wow. No matter how I try to understand any point of view that would make "sense", I cannot. My brain hurts now.
Europe
Are you seriously calling that highly processed c**p "food"?... Yes, we don't have food here in Europe.
S**t Americans Say
Flashnews, people can speak more than one language regardless of the color of their skin.
Wh-What Did I Just Read
I just don't understand transphobes. Like why does the content of other people's pants affect you so much?
Oop!
Not a facepalm, the possible future - shame no-one told 'em that the handmaid's tale wasn't meant to be a manifesto
What In The World?
Smartest Man Ever!
Creepy 101
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.
Hmm, I Wonder Why No One Wants To Go To Her Wedding
Oh no! I might get deleted off Facebook! How on earth will I keep up with their lives?! 😱
Heat Stroke Is Woke Now
Nobody has ever died from it being too warm outside? Um... I hate to break it to you...
"Climate Change Is A Hoax"
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
This Is Gold Medal At The Olympics Levels Of A Weird Take
Bro Doesn't Even Know That He Doesn't Know
Boobs Are The Biggest Personality Trait
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.
Instagram Loves Blood Diamonds
Wait... What🤦
Man Ages Over Two Decades, Public Shocked
If someone told me I aged like Henry Cavill I'd have a new best friend.
How Is That Obesity?
Because, They're Supposed To Move On?
I’m So Done With Boomers And Facebook
No, We Don’t Support Her
Oh Yeah?
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.
Now Wait A Damn Minute
I'm Done
“Mainland Italians”
This Dude Is A Walking Red Flag
you just know this is the defence he tried when he was arrested it didnt work on the jury wont work here
A Man Changes His Gender So He Could Retire Earlier In Argentina
A Child Named Sexy
376 Good Guys With A Gun
WHY. IS. THIS. ON. THIS.LIST - Bored panda, that's outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!
What Did She Expect?
And she did it to make herself go viral and here we are, BP, spreading her story to give her more attention so she can grab more opportunities from the far right hate brigade.
On Declining Population
What Was She Thinking
Yeah About That
How Can Humanity Disappoint So Much
Most of these, certainly most of the top rated ones, are completely out of place on this list. They get upvoted because people agree with the content, but they're not at all about people saying dumb things and getting called out for them.
The problem with top level subreddits is people upvote or downvote when the post comes into their feed, without checking what sub it's from.
Load More Replies...This was painful to read. Not only were half the posts nothing to do with people being called out for dumb things, it was also full of divisive rhetoric and just a hodge podge of nonsense. It was just random social media rubbish.
I get the feeling this post is going to be, very shortly, given a new title, as half the posts do not fit the current title.
The internet is a toilet of advertising, tracking, censorship and idiocy
Hey, BP, how about you let me read a SINGLE entry all the way through without popping in with the same add you've already shown be twelve times already during this one page. (Couldn't even write this one comment without it popping up again).
bored panda, i beg of you, idc what you include in these posts for the most part, but PLEASE stop including things from jk rowling, stop giving her another platform for her hate + the discussion on that specific image is a trash fire. i'm cool with all the scraped AITA stuff, but this site was primarily great art and cat/pet photos when i first found it; please return to more of that, stop giving people reasons to be hateful at each other.
Well...this an absolutely garbage list. Just a bunch of divisive political nonsense attacking one side.
This thread has been like a liberal woke anthem. The best part is that we all agree.
Blah blah blah America is horrible...my country is perfect...aren't I clever and witty. There. My summary would save readers the time.
There's a big "Add post" link at the top of the screen, you can make a list about anything you like.
Load More Replies...Most of these, certainly most of the top rated ones, are completely out of place on this list. They get upvoted because people agree with the content, but they're not at all about people saying dumb things and getting called out for them.
The problem with top level subreddits is people upvote or downvote when the post comes into their feed, without checking what sub it's from.
Load More Replies...This was painful to read. Not only were half the posts nothing to do with people being called out for dumb things, it was also full of divisive rhetoric and just a hodge podge of nonsense. It was just random social media rubbish.
I get the feeling this post is going to be, very shortly, given a new title, as half the posts do not fit the current title.
The internet is a toilet of advertising, tracking, censorship and idiocy
Hey, BP, how about you let me read a SINGLE entry all the way through without popping in with the same add you've already shown be twelve times already during this one page. (Couldn't even write this one comment without it popping up again).
bored panda, i beg of you, idc what you include in these posts for the most part, but PLEASE stop including things from jk rowling, stop giving her another platform for her hate + the discussion on that specific image is a trash fire. i'm cool with all the scraped AITA stuff, but this site was primarily great art and cat/pet photos when i first found it; please return to more of that, stop giving people reasons to be hateful at each other.
Well...this an absolutely garbage list. Just a bunch of divisive political nonsense attacking one side.
This thread has been like a liberal woke anthem. The best part is that we all agree.
Blah blah blah America is horrible...my country is perfect...aren't I clever and witty. There. My summary would save readers the time.
There's a big "Add post" link at the top of the screen, you can make a list about anything you like.
Load More Replies...
