ADVERTISEMENT

The internet is a wonderfully chaotic place. One minute you’re scrolling past cute cat photos, the next you’re staring at a food combo that absolutely shouldn’t exist. And then there are the texts — unfiltered, unhinged, and often shared without a second thought.

Today, we dove into the depths of r/TrashyText to find texts of all kinds: messages, notes, screenshots, and conversations that are equal parts questionable and hilarious. Keep scrolling to see the ones that left people doing a double take.

#1

That's Some Bad News

Text message exchange showing confusing and surprising texts that made people pause and reread messages.

GeminiVeuns Report

Bani Daniell
Community Member
Premium
3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone follows directions well.

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    So I Have This Friend On Instagram

    Instagram post showing a humorous text about hiding an EBT card and teeth, illustrating confusing and funny posts.

    lifeingotham Report

    Sarah
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What’s EBT card? I don’t get it

    View more comments
    #3

    Trashy Boyfriend, Trashy Stranger

    Text message exchange showing confusing texts and posts that made people pause, reread, and scratch their heads.

    Spinundrum Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine stealing from your child and it's mother

    View more comments

    Globally, the internet has become everyone’s favorite hangout spot. Billions of people log on daily to scroll, post, comment, and share just about everything. From memes and life updates to oddly specific opinions, the online world never sleeps. Social media alone has pulled in a massive chunk of the global population. That means nearly everyone has a digital footprint now, whether they realize it or not. With so many voices online, things can get entertaining fast. But they can also get messy just as quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Not Good News

    Screenshot of a confusing social media post where someone questions the meaning of testing positive.

    destrovel_H Report

    #5

    Damn White People

    Facebook post showing a confusing comment exchange that made people pause and reread the texts carefully.

    magnetometers Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    I Hate Being A Mother

    Screenshot of a confusing text post expressing frustration about motherhood, matching curious texts that made people pause.

    HoxleyD Report

    Sue Denham
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if you do feel like that never say/write/type it. Imagine if your child discovers it.

    View more comments

    With so many people online at the same time, using the internet responsibly has become more important than ever. Governments and platforms are starting to step in to set boundaries, especially for younger users. In Australia, for example, kids under 16 are now banned from using major social media platforms. New accounts can’t be created, and existing ones are being shut down. It’s the first rule of its kind and has caught the attention of countries worldwide. The goal is to create a safer digital space. Whether it works long-term remains to be seen, but the conversation has definitely started.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    Any Of You Ever Been To Harrison, Arkansas?

    Roadside signs with confusing and controversial text prompting people to pause, reread, and scratch their heads.

    destrovel_H Report

    #8

    My Hometown, Everyone

    Confusing social media post questioning how a teacher that doesn't speak English was hired, causing people to pause and reread.

    co_lund Report

    Woof Yo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent example of "irony is dead"

    View more comments
    #9

    She's 19 With 5 Kids

    Screenshot of a confusing text post about signing paperwork to get fixed and no more babies, causing readers to pause and reread.

    destrovel_H Report

    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this, ladies and gentlemen, is exhibit A on why we need a) science-based s.e.x ed and b) unrestricted access to abortion and bodily autonomy for women.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    According to officials, these rules aim to reduce the harmful effects of social media’s addictive design. Many platforms are built to keep users scrolling endlessly, often pushing content that isn’t great for mental health. For young people especially, this can affect confidence, mood, and overall wellbeing. The concern isn’t just screen time, but the type of content being consumed. Endless comparison, unrealistic standards, and viral negativity can take a toll. Slowing that cycle is the hope behind these changes. It’s a reminder that online life can have real-world effects.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Cousin Lovin

    Couple sharing confusing and puzzling text messages and photos that made people pause and reread their post online.

    destrovel_H Report

    Barbara Wilcock
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Done reading this. What's wrong with you all

    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Legal in a lot of places (uk for example) - a good way to keep power and money in the family. Just look at royal families and how similar they are, historical familial marriages.

    Load More Replies...
    Giles McArdell
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Ah Cletis we can't be kissin' in front of my parents" "now Brandeen, you know thems my parents too."

    Elio
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🎵Banjo music. Alright first one to make that comment.XD

    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is legal in the UK and very common amongst certain sections of the population. There’s a bit of a schism at the moment as there’s a health based campaign to get it banned that’s getting push back from said community. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g38l07895o

    Cloud Ryn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And when the kid is born looking like something form Fallout, or The last of Us we now know why and who to blame

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cousins being married is not rare.

    Jaya
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In large parts of the world it's seen as normal, and in a lot of history too. When you think about it, it's kinda weird that we feel so grossed out by it. Because if they're not having chrildren, then it's not gonna matter at all. And we don't feel grossed out by people with heriditary diseases getting into relationships, even though they might get pregnant and have a kid with the same terrible disease too.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Motto of the southern US - Second cousins don't count.

    MoMcB
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Mum died recently. My cousin’s husband was at the funeral and told me he always thought I’d end up with his son! WTAF?

    WFH Forever
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in the early 1990s, I worked for a company in Ohio. One of my colleagues from Kentucky was indeed married to his first cousin.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cue up that Lynyrd Skynyrd track, will ya?

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And just think, our kids will be their own grandparents! ❤️

    Littlemiss
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sing it with me now We are family..

    DaisyGirl
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Errr cousin, what in god's hillbilly crazy!!!

    LookASquirrel
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sweet home Alabama 🎶🎵 or Country road West Virginia, mounting cousins...

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shelbyville. One of the southern US cities

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ewwww. I don't care if incesst is legal in some places it is STILL WRONG!

    highwaycrossingfrog
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The parents of one of my best friends at school were cousins. It's not common here in the UK, but it isn't considered taboo in any way.

    Cindy Brick
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Second cousin? Third cousin? (I do have two third cousins who married -- and are doing quite well.)

    Mike Beck
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least in some areas of the US, siblings can get married but it requires a lot of hassle and the expectation of no children. Seems to be typically used to pass on benefits.

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents are cousins and they were told in genetic counselling before they got married that it was pretty safe to have kids. Five of us and none had a genetic condition caused by them being cousins.

    WubiDubi
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Causing many genetic issues in 🇵🇰 too

    Rob Stevens
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    somebody needs to get those stray cats spayed

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And everyone in the South read this and says to themselves, "S**t. They look like rednecks." I was wondering what they MEANT to say, but I decided they DO look related. (Btw, strangely cousin marriage is legal in coastal states, and illegal in interior ones. I have no idea why this is true, but it's legal in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Hawaii, Alaska and Maryland but yes, also Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia. But legal in only three states that aren't directly on the ocean.)

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Oh, get over yourself. In other countries it's not an issue, and they do well. In fact, better than the orange rapist led USA.

    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    It certainly is an issue and your post is screaming whataboutism. Kids born to blood cousins are more likely to have health issues https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c241pn09qqjo

    Load More Replies...
    View more comments
    #11

    Who's The Dad?

    Pregnancy test showing positive result paired with a confusing social media post about wondering who the dad is.

    magnetometers Report

    #12

    Oldest Kid Turns 14, Becomes A Mom The Next Day

    Social media text post with a surprising comment that makes people pause and reread, sparking confusion and curiosity.

    destrovel_H Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A pregnant 13 year old? How is that funny in any way? This baby and teenage momma need protective services

    View more comments

    On an individual level, posting responsibly matters just as much. It’s easy to hit “send” or “post” without thinking twice. But once something is online, it can spread far beyond your control. Before sharing, it helps to pause and think about the impact. Is it misleading, harmful, or discriminatory in any way? Could it affect someone else negatively? Even jokes can land badly in the wrong context. A little extra thought can save a lot of trouble later.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    You Doctors Don't Know. Nerds

    Confusing social media text conversation about parenting advice that made people pause and reread.

    destrovel_H Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how kids die........ From the deliberate ignorance of their parents

    View more comments
    #14

    When You Want To Delete Someone From Fb, But The Constant Trashy/ Tmi Posts Are Too Much Fun

    Screenshot of a confusing text post about embarrassment and bleeding, illustrating texts that make people pause and reread.

    reddit.com Report

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no, a woman mentions her period! Quick, grab your pearls!

    View more comments
    #15

    At Least She's Self-Aware

    Screenshot of a tweeted text post that makes people pause and reread for its unexpected and humorous content.

    reddit.com Report

    Remi (He/Him)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if someone is running around buck naked, it's not an invitation for ràpe!

    View more comments

    Privacy and safety go hand in hand when spending time online. Oversharing personal details can put people at real risk. Things like your full date of birth, home address, or phone number should never be public. Even small bits of information can be pieced together by the wrong people. Keeping some parts of your life offline is actually smart, not secretive. The internet doesn’t forget easily. Protecting your personal information helps keep your digital space safer and calmer.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    She's 7 Months Pregnant

    Facebook post about day 5 of no smoking with confusing comments that make people pause and reread.

    destrovel_H Report

    #18

    My Best Friends Ex-Wife Shared Her Thoughts On Ww3

    Screenshot of a confusing Twitter post that made people pause and reread, showcasing odd texts and posts reactions.

    reddit.com Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want the people who declare the war to have to fight in it. That's what I want.

    View more comments

    Posting fake or misleading content is another slippery slope. Whether it’s exaggerated stories, false claims, or edited screenshots, misinformation spreads fast. What starts as a joke or a “harmless post” can quickly snowball. People believe what they see, especially when it’s shared confidently. That’s how rumors and false narratives take off. Being honest online builds trust, even in casual spaces. Not everything needs to be dramatic to be interesting.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #19

    Dont Take John's To Motel 6

    Screenshot of a confusing social media post about a motel call leading to an arrest, illustrating puzzling texts and posts.

    Berniegrl Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #20

    Hurricane Ida Destroyed Houma & This Guy Wants To Laugh About It

    Funny confusing texts exchange with emojis making people pause reread and scratch their heads in a social media post.

    FaberPolychrome Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people want to empathize with others, other people want to tear others down

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda

    All of this brings us back to why posts like these exist in the first place. Sometimes, people really do share the most random, bizarre, and questionable things online. It’s shocking, funny, and occasionally uncomfortable all at once. These posts remind us how unpredictable the internet can be. Some make us laugh, others make us cringe. What are your thoughts on what people choose to post online? Tell us which one stood out to you the most.

    #22

    Riding A Motorcycle Drunk

    Social media post with confusing text about driving a motorcycle and being too drunk to work a microwave.

    destrovel_H Report