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Sometimes, it’s easy for us to forget that social media isn’t the same as reality. But it’s incredibly important to remember that what we see on our screens can often be an altered, upgraded, and airbrushed version of what’s really out there. If we realize it’s partly an illusion, we won’t feel so bad when we compare our lives to those of seemingly ‘perfect’ Instagram influencers. However, some people take photo editing several steps too far.

The “Instagram Reality” subreddit is dedicated to showing how heavily some people facetune their pictures before putting them up on social media. Whether it’s inspired by people’s insecurity or narcissism is difficult to tell. But we collected some of the best examples of fake people pics from the subreddit for you to enjoy.

So scroll down, upvote your fave Instagram photos, and leave a comment below to let us know which images you thought were the most shocking, and why you think these people tend to use too much Photoshop. Also, check out Bored Panda’s previous posts about expectations vs. reality right here, here, here, as well as here. Scroll down for our interview with the "Instagram Reality" moderators about their community and about the culture of excessive photoshop, and be sure to visit their subreddit as well.

#2

A Body Builder I Have Since Unfollowed

A Body Builder I Have Since Unfollowed

alejas_tejas Report

Bored Panda talked to the "Instagram Reality" moderators about why some people go overboard with photoshopping their pictures. Here's what they had to say: "Insecurity, envy, money. Take the girl sitting next to you in Statistics who's scrolling through her latest selfie shoot and disappointingly thinks to herself, "[Damn], is that a pimple? I can't let people see that, it's embarrassing." She casually opens up FaceTune, smooths out the pimple, and boom—now there's an image she feels comfortable sharing online. Unbeknownst to her, there's a seed that's been planted in her mind now that it's as easy as using this app to change anything she finds unattractive about herself at any time, then it snowballs; from taking in just a bit of your tummy for a more slender silhouette until eventually she's landed on a waist the size of her neck."

"The light improvements are so gradual over time, she stops noticing that the waist she's creating is 1.) of course, not hers 2.) (as we often see on Instagram Reality), anatomically impossible, and 3.) that she's now set an expectation subconsciously for herself (and outwardly for anyone following her) that she needs to keep up this flawless appearance; which means sticking to the edits she's made for every photo she posts in the future. What she doesn't realize is in this process, she's simultaneously creating and constantly reinforcing her own insecurities."

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#5

When U Ordered It vs. When It Arrived

When U Ordered It vs. When It Arrived

moonkid93 Report

#6

Big Difference Between The Photos Of Her At The Event And The One On Her Instagram...

Big Difference Between The Photos Of Her At The Event And The One On Her Instagram...

Rude-Transition Report

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plastic fantastic on the left, a gorgeous, real woman with real-life experience on the right.

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We were also interested to know the subreddit mods' opinion about why some people are scared of presenting themselves as they truly are. "Everyone wants to be loved and desired, everyone wants to feel that they belong. The harsh, scary truth of the matter for anyone is that the more you resemble what people around you consider universally attractive, the more likely you are to have access to those things in your life. So, you begin to think, "Well, what do I need to change about myself to fit in? How do I become more attractive?" Based on what magazine covers and many an Instagram Explore page shows you, that image is a tall, long-haired, fair skinned woman with smooth skin, a slim yet hourglass figure—oh, and don't forget, the perfect butt. In comes photo editing apps, offering you the chance to finally be her. Even if it's only online."

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#9

When One Right Hand Isn’t Enough...

When One Right Hand Isn’t Enough...

lisaloveslashes Report

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Antonia
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's not the 2 right hands, that shock me... it's the friggin face 😬

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"Instagram Reality" moderators told us that the community greatly supports inclusivity: "The Instagram Reality team is a huge supporter of inclusivity. All races, body types and genders need to be fairly represented in the media. Sanity Sunday was created as a day for our subscribers to share an ad (or influencer) they've seen which support that idea as well. In the long run, the only way to reduce our obsession with self-image is to normalize those we see in the media; not just celebrating how they look, but who they are as a person."

The "Instagram Reality" subreddit was created just under two years ago. "u/Zaza9000 began to notice IG models who looked insanely different in real life. She wanted to create a platform that exposed the fakeness to people who were being fooled."

#11

Those Abs Were Made In Ms Paint

Those Abs Were Made In Ms Paint

Merwebo2Veces Report

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tynat1977 avatar
Tyna Harrison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like one of those t-shirts with abbs printed on it already

geminikat58 avatar
Kat Khatib
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her stomach looks like some sort of mutant worm...with a black hole for a belly button.

dirkaarden avatar
Don Golosso
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's hilarious! On the other hand, I can imagine why you would want to paint these abs on. I've been working my butt off (almost literally) to grow some abs and I can feel them but they just won't show... This is due to the fact that a year ago I was around 130 Lbs heavier then I am today so I've got some spare skin issues.

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Taylor A
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The biggest problem is her belly button looks like an avocado

handsomefacedave avatar
David Dunn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, she is shredded! Instead of a vajayjay, she has another set of abs! You can see the outline of em in her pants! Is this why girls like grey sweatpants on a dude? Lol

bunchalotta avatar
AnnSmithJones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand - if you're going through the trouble to draw some abs in, why not give yourself a nicer waist/hip ratio. Because that looks like a man's body.

janapetlnov avatar
Jjjane20
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂😂😂😂😂 I have nothing to say except 😂😂😂😂

pixelmax avatar
PandaPiñata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that title is a little harsh on Ms Paint. Who the hell is this guy anyway?

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Safi Afridi
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

shaniabrown avatar
Shania Brown
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

boy she dont even look like she worked out lazy people these days

amandawindsor8800 avatar
Amanda Windsor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would aby woman want man abs??? Eeeek. Wouldn't even want my man to look like that. Cheese graters aren't nice to cuddle.

amaranthim_talon avatar
Amaranthim Talon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ROFL- honey, you got a little smudge there- Showers can do wonders!

dutchyswife58 avatar
Dawn K
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like men's abs and the rest of her body doesn't fit in with those abs. Looks ridiculous.

shado_1 avatar
shado
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

am confused ... is that an 8-pack or a 6-pack with one very muscular camel-toe ... ??

navydoc192 avatar
Steven Meyer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People need to be satisfied with who they are rather than try to make themselves out to be something they are not.

tammyralph2 avatar
Tammy Ralph
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Their perception of reality must be really distorted if they put pictures like this up and think that they look good, the only explanation really is that they are actually brainwashed.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you're so desperate for attention that you talk yourself into thinking it looks good.

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Tammy Hornback
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

" now those girls in 6th grade are sorry they weren't nicer to me"

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Molly Block
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG that is gross! Is she packing a p****r in there too? Uhhhh

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#12

He Colored His Eyes Over His Glasses Frames

He Colored His Eyes Over His Glasses Frames

ooqpoo Report

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It’s very easy to feel insecure in the information age. Every day, we’re bombarded by images of beautiful, successful, healthy, wealthy individuals. While this inspires some of us to aim for greatness, others can feel insecure because they realize the huge gap between their dream lives, and where they currently are.

Melody Lyons explains that having grown up in the United States, she was raised to be dissatisfied with the way she looked, which meant she felt ashamed of herself. However, she still advocates not using photo-editing apps or keeping the editing to a minimum: say, for removing a big red spot that would simply ruin the pic.

But according to her, if you start radically changing who you are in photos, you start believing that there’s something wrong with you. And that just increases any feelings of insecurity you already had. In other words—the less photoshopping you do, the more comfortable you feel being yourself. After all, nobody is perfect and never will be. Even models think they eyelashes/jawline/pinkies could look better.

#14

Shes Not Fooling Anyone With That Steering Wheel

Shes Not Fooling Anyone With That Steering Wheel

MIKE-WAZOWSKIS-COCK Report

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Also, the more people there are out there who photoshop their pictures, the stronger the culture of ‘perfect’ Instagram pics. This means that there are even more individuals who feel insecure because they have to compare themselves to endless masses of photo-edited pictures.

Meanwhile, Michelle Linker told The Guardian that the pressures of social media are very real. “People are publicizing usually something really cool or fun that they’re doing, or at least they make it appear that way. I absolutely feel insecure.”

She continued: “I do feel a pressure to look particularly good. I would never post a photo that wasn’t flattering of me. I feel anxiety over how many likes I get after I post a picture. If I get two likes, I feel like, what’s wrong with me? Some people judge Instagram by deleting photos that don’t get enough likes. I wouldn’t do that, but I would definitely second-guess my intentions with posting them.”

#16

... She Very Obviously Was Not In This Photo Before She Photoshopped Herself In

... She Very Obviously Was Not In This Photo Before She Photoshopped Herself In

Bittysweens Report

#17

Most Severe Case I’ve Ever Seen Tbh

Most Severe Case I’ve Ever Seen Tbh

offitat Report

#18

Whats The Point Of Photoshopping A Starbucks Logo On Your Cup..? Had A Good Laugh Bc Of It

Whats The Point Of Photoshopping A Starbucks Logo On Your Cup..? Had A Good Laugh Bc Of It

joanoa Report

Do you photoshop your pictures, dear readers? Have you ever been in a situation where you post a photo and constantly check to see how many likes it got? Share your experience with everyone in the comments.

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#20

I Love Playing “Find The Distorted Background” Game With Everything She Posts

I Love Playing “Find The Distorted Background” Game With Everything She Posts

meowmix265 Report

#21

Mua Posts Christmas Inspired Look, Flat Out Denies It's Photoshopped In The Comments

Mua Posts Christmas Inspired Look, Flat Out Denies It's Photoshopped In The Comments

epaj Report

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blakkursverrir avatar
Blakkur Sverrir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its not photoshop if you print it out. Put makeup on the photo and than take a picture of it

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#22

No Way Her Waist Is Real, That Shadow Has A Different Angle

No Way Her Waist Is Real, That Shadow Has A Different Angle

diveonfire Report

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B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never understood why people do this. Why would you want a huge backside or a face that looks like a duck? Just so unattractive.

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#23

Forgot To Edit The Mirror

Forgot To Edit The Mirror

SpecialRegular Report

#24

Jesus Christ, She Even Smoothed Over Her Tongue

Jesus Christ, She Even Smoothed Over Her Tongue

wombatcheeses Report

#25

“Ugly Sweater Dinner Date! ” Dear God... I Didn’t Need To Sleep Tonight Anyway

“Ugly Sweater Dinner Date! ” Dear God... I Didn’t Need To Sleep Tonight Anyway

DeusUrsus Report

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Femur!
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, this "muricans" LOL I'm ugly and I have no problem with that, none of my pics have filters. Only when the filter is funny, only that.

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See Also on Bored Panda
#26

Mom Take Me Home I’m Scared

Mom Take Me Home I’m Scared

olruun Report

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Hocus Pocus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this might be apart of one of those trends where you make it look like that on purpose? Like, I've seen 'eye tutorials' on youtube where people purposely try to make their eyes look like that. Sorry if I'm wrong.

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#27

Same Girl I Posted Before, She’s Actually Nearly At 2 Million Followers And Will Block Anyone Who Claims Photoshop

Same Girl I Posted Before, She’s Actually Nearly At 2 Million Followers And Will Block Anyone Who Claims Photoshop

ElitaWins Report

#28

Am I Insane Or Did He Photoshop The Exact Same Face Onto Two Different Photos

Am I Insane Or Did He Photoshop The Exact Same Face Onto Two Different Photos

lasagnaestranja Report

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Gemma Lees
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought that Photoshop was supposed to make you look good, not scary af.

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#29

I'm Speechless

I'm Speechless

ashehole64 Report

Note: this post originally had 95 images. It’s been shortened to the top 29 images based on user votes.