Human idiocy, just like our creativity, knows no bounds. Whether it's a temporary brainfart or something more severe, it seems that we always find a way to push the limit.
And you couldn't find better proof of this than the subreddit r/facecpalm. Created all the way back in 2009, this online community describes itself as "a gallery of inexplicable stupidity" and currently has over 6 million members constantly looking for new 'artworks' for its 'collection.'
Over the years, they have collected plenty of examples of people making a complete fool of themselves both online and in real life, so we thought it would be interesting to make an exhibit, featuring the most memorable ones. Continue scrolling and enjoy!
This post may include affiliate links.
Well You're Not Wrong
It Is Insane
We reached out to the people who look after r/facepalm and one of them agreed to tell us more about the community.
"We moderate according to Reddit's content policy and that means that most of the comment moderation we do is to remove bigotry and racism," they told Bored Panda.
"The subreddit's community is fine, for the most part. A lot of people come here to have a laugh at whatever silly thing is being posted and that's ok."
What About Nurses Who Wear Them 8 To 10 Hours A Day
In Fact, It’s Happened 7 Times
You can see a lot of different themes on the subreddit, and the mod said they can change quite fast. "[What's popular] really depends on what is on people's minds at the time. Currently, a popular topic is the insane lengths people go through to deny the facts about Covid."
But there's a way to determine what we can expect from r/facepalm. According to research, people see actions as stupid for three primary reasons: the actions reflect a foolhardy level of risk, an absent-mindedness and lack of practicality, or an impulsive lack of control.
So even though the word 'stupid' sounds subjective, scientists have discovered that people are very quick to identify it.
"People don't spend time on judging if something is stupid or not," study researcher Balazs Aczel told Live Science. "It comes instantaneously, and as our results showed, they have high agreement. If one person calls something stupid, there's a high likelihood others will do the same thing."
The First Women In The Epitome Of Stupid
This is inhumane on so many levels.... Please never ever say things like this... these days, even babies get raped... old women are getting rape... the fact is a sick mind can do such a thing and will think of any excuse possible...
If I've said it once, I've said a million times. I don't care if a woman is prancing around completely naked, she is not asking to be raped. A rapist is someone with no care or respect toward another human beings right to the sanctity of their body and personal right to not suffer at the hands of others.
Bingo. No one's asking to be raped, regardless of their outfit or lack thereof
Load More Replies...
Obviously, it's never the rapists' fault. Women use their witchcraft to lure 'nice guys" in.
I wasn't dressed like a 'prostitute' nor was I acting remotely sexual, nevermind 'overly sexual' when I was raped and sexually assaulted by multiple guys. Nor am I woman! Why don't YOU take some responsibility for the atrocious things you're saying, a*****e!
I'm so, so sorry you endured such a terrible thing.
Load More Replies...
Disgusting! Do people not realize that rape is an act of violence and has nothing to do with the way a women dresses?
Apparently not. It's pathetic and stupid. Society is terrible, especially in America
Load More Replies...
Wtf. Why is the word rape blacked out? This is deeply insulting. The BP policy on swear words is already pathetic and patronising.... But this is just too much....
It's called being sensitive to survivors who may have a trauma response to reading that word. It's not patronising or pathetic. At all.
Load More Replies...
I was raped by a boyfriend who decided that no didn't mean no because your girlfriend can't say no. Tell me again how my behaviour caused this?
I didn't understand the tweet because of the censoring. This is going too far
Raped - rhymes with gaped. F*****g - rhymes with Bucking. Happy to help, Shelp.
Load More Replies...
I worked to TRY to help police officers to be more empathetic towards all abuse victims….it’s an uphill battle. At one of these classes during lunch break, one of the lead officers of the curriculum was standing at the door rating the women as they left the room. Heavy sigh. We had a bit of a chat about his inappropriate behavior and he apologized. Some guys are just clueless.
I know a military rape victim who was told to quit whining and consider rape a condition of service. Her report chit was wadded up and thrown overboard. Skipper refused to ruin well earned shore duty of a fleet sailor.
Load More Replies...
"Don't dress too provoking" - Security advise given all over europe in one way or antoher the last few years (Not kidding). Sad times we are in
Rape is about power and control. It has nothing to do with what a woman is wearing.
Of all the rape apologist hot takes I've ever seen, this woman managed to come up with the actual worst version. "You know why I've never been robbed? Because I walk around covered in cat vomit and don't own anything of value. Take some responsibility."
I can't stand these types of people. I was wearing sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt. Oh and I was sleeping. Hopefully I can control how sexual I am when I'm asleep.
Unless you're a victim, perhaps avoid criticizing trauma survivors and their responses?
Load More Replies...
Pedophiles and rapists aren't getting hard enough punishments that is why society is going to s**t as soon as these people commit a crime along that line that is undeniably guilty they need to be put to death not put in prison not giving therapy not any other second Chance death is the only answer
I don't give a flying f**k if you're wearing see through clothing in a grocery store, you don't f*****g deserve that
It would be great to find who posted the prostitute responsibility comment and, with her consent, amicably press her to reveal her views on major issues in general. Just to blow our minds with the wackadoo b.s. some people allowed in public have going through their minds. Right off the bat you can tell how insecure she is by the amount of makeup she's wearing. Looks like a frickin cartoon character
I on the other hand do dress revealing when I feel like it. Or cover up when I feel like it. Or whatever the damn hell I feel like. Because it isn't my responsibility to cater to your feelings and it's sure as hell isn't my responsibility to control your thoughts. How's about the rapists take responsibility for their own issues. And don't victim blame. Ever.
I should be able to walk around naked without being at risk for sexual assault, or being blamed for it.
Saying that you getting raped is because of something you wore is like saying that you getting abused is because of something you did or that it’s your fault something bad happened to you. It’s not ok to say stuff like this and people who do say this sh*t obviously have no f*****g idea what th it really is that they’re talking abou. I have friends who have gotten raped or abuse. We just got a new hire at work who’s mental health was killing her because she had a rapist who shoved it up inside her for 2 f*****g years and was just sitting there at work playing pool. Being raped is never because of something you did but being an a*****e is entirely your fault. This person needs to get a f*****g brain and a f*****g heart and learn what the f**k they’re talking about because if rape is based off the way you dress than dying is based off the way your face looks. That’s basically the same f*****g thing and this person needs to grow the f**k up
You clearly have no understanding of PTSD. It's not that simple. If it was, no one would have any trauma or mental health issues. Quit being an insensitive jerkface.
Wow... I don't know why people have such a hard time with accepting that, "rape happens". You can do absolutely EVERYTHING right, and it happens. I will say that, the more you do right, as an adult, the less your chances so comparing child rape, incest, etc. I don't think is necessarily right because the circumstances are VASTLY different. Like apples and bananas, really. Kids are in a whole other category, they NEED adults to help protect them. But, I do wish we could teach our kids to keep fighting! If your parents. etc. don't believe you, contact CPS, your school, the Feds, anybody and everybody because it is NOT YOUR FAULT. Tell your children to keep fighting, looking up phone numbers, etc. People make me sick sometimes..
women in crop tops and short skirts get r**ped. women in oversized hoodies and jeans get r**ped. the clothing doesn't matter
So according to the first tweeter, if someone goes out wearing designer clothes, expensive accessories and a hot car, they’re just asking to be robbed. Yea totally makes sense….ugh
people who post that kind of sh.t should have their names advertized, not blurred.
Sorry, Sweetheart. When they actually castrate pedo's, child endangerment will drop like a lead ball. Hugs your way now!
Me thinks the original poster is an incel posing as a woman. If the OP is actually a woman, me thinks she should count her blessings instead of being an ignorant c*nt.
And it's not the responsibility of females to dress in such a way as to make males want to rape. It's the responsibility of males to not assult.
I will say this day I die. Rape is not sex, it is power and violence. Until men and women understand this we will have stupid comments like “the way she dressed, she was asking for it.” NO ONE LOOKS TO BE RAPED.
As usual, blame the victim. Rape is an act of domination, punishment and humiliation.
This is why we should introduce a little device i call a "Mechanical Bobbit".
it's never happened to me, but it's happened to so many people i know. i'm thirteen and multiple guys in my grade catcall and harass me. i'm wearing my school uniform...... long skirt, longsleeve shirt. stop posting this crap you uneducated and idiotic imbecile
Give me that woman’s username. I want to tell her how ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE her comment it (a joke ofc. I may sound like a nerd but asking for a strangers info is an invasion of privacy lol) BUT what she said is absolutely awful. Sure, she may just be trying to protect society but JEEZ, even BABIES are getting raped nowadays. People can be absolutely awful
Maybe you’re repulsive or something? Who knows. But stfu and keep your opinions in your dissociative mind
Because some survivors have a trauma response to reading or hearing the word.
Load More Replies...
This reminds me of a scene in the movie Tag, when the fake miscarriage is revealed. I've just substituted the terms: "Look, I'm not saying I want you to get raped. 'cause that would be terrible. But if you ever do get raped, I don't wanna say that you would deserve it 'cause that's too far, but what I will say and what I do feel is that's what you get."
I know a young man (barely 18) that was raped by a 53 y/o woman. Drugged and forced. You have no idea what people go through. It was sooo hard to get that sick woman in jail, but a year and a half later she did. I wish people wouldn't post sh*t like this. Rape is rape and rape is wrong. Who cares what gender you are or what you're clothed in. No means no.
How can any woman actually think or say something like thst?! On behalf of the rest of women you're out! If need be we'll have a meeting and it'll pass in a landslide vote that you may no longer call yourself a woman or any derivation there of. Seriously look around you and see what's happening ,you need to open your eyes. I wouldn't wish rape on anyone but if you've ever had a loved one or if you yourself had ever been a victim of rape or sexual abuse you would understand people's reaction to this statement, please think before you voice your opinion .
"Take some responsibility"??? Can't believe that's the way someone could think?? 🤢
this is true! men go after women who are dressed in even the most long sleeved, and shorts, they go after anyone if they are a r--pest ,now not most men, yes we all have desire ,woman, man, etc, or if your a--exual, you don't, but the point is; not all women are dressed like that in fact its usually less than 20% they only want easy targets not ones who can defend themselves even if dressed or not
Nasty Pedi's doesn't care how a child is dressed to them it's a fair game when parents isn't around their child especially if the parents hasn't taught their child to never talk to strangers and NOT to get into a car without parents or legal guardians permission... Or a child isn't taught to never give out personal info out to anyone online including where they go to school at and including their "online" friends
Women 87 years old have been r-ped. Children in long dresses have been r-ped. This is a very stupid post!
How a person dresses does not make it ok to rape someone! Also, a bunch of incarcerated rapists were interviewed and said that the main thing that makes them feel ok to rape someone is if the woman is alone and vulnerable! Not what she's wearing! So many idiots!
I hate attitudes like the first post! Men are responsible for their own actions!
Such a sick mentality, which, statistically, she may find out for herself whether it holds true.
Rape isn't about sexual satisfaction, it's about degradation, battery and inflicting pain. Anyone, anywhere at anytime fills that bill for a rapist.
Disgusting attitude from someone who doesn't have a clue what they are talking about!
You can think whatever you want. I'm stating facts. It is common practice to censor triggering words to help survivors. They can see the censor and know to skip by something they do not want to read instead of having a triggering word surprise them. Not everyone's experience is the same as yours, and it is insensitive to expect that it would be.
Unsure why you're getting downvoted. As social worker, I saw children and adults undergo traumatic reactions to all sorts of weird things after being abused.
Load More Replies...
It's a way to avoid triggers for those who have been victimized by rapists. We still understand what is meant tho, right? It's ok.
Load More Replies...
No, there are no EXCEPTIONS. If you think that just because someone only r@pes young people, then they are fine, you are wrong.
Load More Replies...
If you're telling someone to alter the way they dress to help avoid sexual assault, you are also implying that the victim is, to some extent, to be blamed for the assault. The aggressor is always, 100%, at fault, no matter what the victim is wearing.
Load More Replies...
You Can Still Breathe Idiot
"Let's Spend 10 Grand On Jewelry"
Scientific Name = Poison
It might seem unusual or even strange to investigate how people decide that something is stupid. But scientists love a challenge and researchers who study decision-making had no information, beyond anecdotes, as to how people decide whether an action is stupid.
So the team collected news stories and other online content that someone had described as stupid.
One example was a news story about a robber who set out to steal cellphones, but lifted GPS devices instead — and failed to switch the devices off, allowing the police to discover them (and him) immediately.
Next, the researchers invited 154 different students to gather examples of stupidity from their day-to-day life and read the stories, asking them whether each qualified as stupid.
The students (who were all Hungarian) then chose possible reasons from a long list as to why they'd decided each example would qualify for the label.
Hint Hint
Who Ever Runs That Station Is Dumb
"It harms everyone, but it harms some vulnerable people even more, so it is, worth it" is not stupid. Nobody is that stupid. That's just evil.
Now Your Own Decisions Belong To A Man You Haven't Met
This makes me very mad. Even after I had 2 kids I still had to fight to get my tubes tied because "what if you and your husband wan't more kids?" Grrrrr
The reasons fell into three categories. The first, dubbed "confident ignorance," is when someone tackles something high-risk without the required skills. The cellphone/GPS caper was a prime example of this kind of stupidity.
The next category was "absent-mindedness," which applied to situations where people knew the right thing to do, but for some reason weren't paying close attention. Aczel said one example would be walking out of the store without paying for your groceries.
The third kind of stupidity was described by a lack of control. It occurred when people knew they shouldn't do something but couldn't resist their impulse to do it anyway. Reaching for the third slice of cake when you know you'll get a stomachache later is an example of this kind of stupidity, Aczel explained.
I Get It Now
Ditto everytime I used the expression "avoid it like the plague." I was wrong. Shockingly, I've learned people don't avoid plagues.
Well Well Well... How The Turntables
I Wonder Why America Is So Unhappy?
As an america we need to learn and evolve from other countries example
She Didn't Deserve It
According to Aczel, stupidity is an interesting concept because it doesn't always track with intelligence.
Even people who possess a very high IQ can make extremely dumb moves. The research revealed that judging a behavior "stupid" reveals the observer's expectations of how someone should behave, he said. But the person doing the stupid thing might be operating according to a different set of expectations or goals.
Gun Ownership
Apparently Canada’s Healthcare Is Bad
It Was Media Control All Along
Checkmate
Clearly you havent been burdened with an over abundance of brain cells
On a more practical level, you might be wondering if any of this matters. But understanding why people call something stupid might provide better ways to call out dumb behavior, Aczel highlighted. For instance, it might be more helpful to tell someone they're being overconfident than that they're being stupid.
They’re Everywhere Man!
"Going Everywhere"
70,000 Covid cases came directly as a result of Donald Trump's rallies. We don't need propaganda, we have the votes.
They're Confused
Math Is A Myth
After the research, the team said they plan to concentrate on the cognitive mechanisms people use to monitor others' behaviors. One mystery, Aczel said, is the question why people find stupidity so amusing, a fact that drives more and more people to become members of r/facepalm.
"People want to watch other people doing something stupid as a source of amusement," he said. And it's hard to argue with that.
An 8 Year Old Shouldn’t Have To Do This
Yeah, How Dare He
Yes, shame on him for kissing and probably saying "I love you, I'm proud of you" to his son.
Just Your Average Pro Life Hypocrite
She is apparently answering her own question. She is not pro life, just anti abortion.
Cops Pepper Sprayed Their Own Senator Without Realizing He's An Authority Figure
For Me It Feels Weird To See 6:00 Instead Of 18:00
How Can People Break-Up For Such Stupid Reasons!
"Risk ginger grandchildren" - wtf. But a boyfriend who dumps his woman on command of his mom is a bullet dodged, no matter what.
Having A Functioning Circulatory System
No, perverts are criticizing women for not having the photoshop boobs they usually jerk off to.
Hospital Bill
Sorry Buddy, It's Not Christmas Yet
It's A Great Time To Be A White Debt Collector
It Is Pride Month
Slayed
“If Masks Were Necessary We Would Have Evolved One By Now”
But Nasa Uses The
Antivax Logic
The State Of The World
Most people make decisions unconsciously, because of feelings or bias or whatever is floating around in the depths of the brain... and then they look around for facts to validate a decision that's already been made without benefit of facts. This is why sane people make decisions that seem irrational, and it's also why the Universal Basic Intelligence Test is seeing whether a person will change their mind about something when provided with information that proves a previous decision or opinion wrong. Intelligent people change their minds according to the best information available, stupid people cling to stupid decisions.
Technically The Truth
High Iq Destruction
I know plenty of people who didn't learn a language, didn't read a poem and didn't memorize a fun fact ánd have no muscles to show for it.
Not A True Catholic!
It-It's Almost As If Services Become Easier With A Modernized World? And That Baby Boomers Laughing That Millennials Can't Use A Rotary Phone Is-Pathetic?
What If We Made An App That Would Endanger Lots Of Women?
Apparently There’s Something Wrong With Using A Stock Photo
Ah Yes, Chemistry
She has exploding, vagina-smelling candles. And people buy them. People are stupider than I thought...
Yoga>homeless People
Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏿♀️🤦🏻🤦🏼🤦🏽🤦🏾🤦🏿🤦🏻♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏿♂️ (Idk which one is you)
Load More Replies... I haven't even read this yet but I'm willing to bet that 80% of them are dumbass Conservatives.
I was wrong. I admit it. Only 70%. The rest are dumbass conservatives commenting.
Load More Replies...
Is this a repeat of another BP post or three? I swear we've seen most of these before.
Most of these post are done by left wing liberals whining because not everyone wants to be exactly like them.
Such overt propaganda with no alternative views actually given any respect. You don't want to listen to any countering ideas because it doesn't fit your narrative. Well done you close minded fool.
Which one triggered you the most? Perhaps these hit a little too close to home for you?
Load More Replies... 
Well, Q-anon has a lot of followers so that makes them sheeple too, right?
Load More Replies...
Because prevention is better than cure. Because natural immunity means that at risk population will get it and clog healthcare services. Yeah natural immunity worked for the plague too, millions of deaths later. Just get vaxed already
Load More Replies...
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏿♀️🤦🏻🤦🏼🤦🏽🤦🏾🤦🏿🤦🏻♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏿♂️ (Idk which one is you)
Load More Replies... I haven't even read this yet but I'm willing to bet that 80% of them are dumbass Conservatives.
I was wrong. I admit it. Only 70%. The rest are dumbass conservatives commenting.
Load More Replies... Is this a repeat of another BP post or three? I swear we've seen most of these before.
Most of these post are done by left wing liberals whining because not everyone wants to be exactly like them.
Such overt propaganda with no alternative views actually given any respect. You don't want to listen to any countering ideas because it doesn't fit your narrative. Well done you close minded fool.
Which one triggered you the most? Perhaps these hit a little too close to home for you?
Load More Replies... Well, Q-anon has a lot of followers so that makes them sheeple too, right?
Load More Replies... Because prevention is better than cure. Because natural immunity means that at risk population will get it and clog healthcare services. Yeah natural immunity worked for the plague too, millions of deaths later. Just get vaxed already
Load More Replies...