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With the rise of photo editing software and the increasing importance of our image on social media, most of us sometimes get worried about what people think of us. Do I look good enough? Do I dress stylish enough? What do people think of me when they see my picture? Would I get more likes/upvotes/notes/tiny red digital hearts if I did X, Y, and Z?

Unfortunately, some people have these thoughts far too often and take them to extremes: they care about their body image so damn much that they start relying on photo manipulation to extreme levels. This results in people looking radically different online than they do in real life. And when you do a side by side comparison? Wow. The difference is striking, often hilarious, and might make some of us wish you were born before they invented electricity.

We’ve collected some of the best examples of Instagram photos vs. reality from the incredibly popular r/Instagramreality subreddit, so get ready for some shocking comparisons. Scroll down, upvote the pics you enjoyed, and let us know what you think in the comments. After you’re done with this list, be sure to check out Bored Panda’s previous articles showing the vast difference between what some fake people look like in real life and how they present themselves on social media right here, here, and here.

#3

When You Preach Body Positivity And Then Shop Your Waist Into Oblivion

When You Preach Body Positivity And Then Shop Your Waist Into Oblivion

TURDMUFFlN Report

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

Honestly, what's wrong about her real waist? She's a beautiful woman the way she is, not need for PS.

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There are more people who Photoshop their pictures than most of us think. Of course, most of these edits and photo filters aren’t as drastic as the ones shown in this list, but it still raises the question of how widespread this is.

According to one study, two thirds of Australian women believe that it’s wrong for magazines to edit photos before printing them. The irony is that 57 percent of them also admitted to Photoshopping their own pictures before posting them on social media.

#5

When You Move Too Much And The Filter Comes Off

When You Move Too Much And The Filter Comes Off

_sophierobinson_ Report

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

That filtered pic doesn't even look like a person anymore, but like a creepy doll.

aglmcuco3 avatar
goodmorning
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If is not for fun with her friends, is sad. She is a pretty girl that she think the filters make her...what..beautiful?

daniellacampbell avatar
Daniella Campbell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen her videos she actually looks like how she does in the top it's not a filter! It's just makeup she's a makeup artist and to her this is art, she is completely ok with how she looks but likes to experiment

milesfrommars avatar
Miles Remmel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The filtered one actually doesn't look that good, just creeeeeepy...

geebrain avatar
GB1997
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think shes just having fun with make-up. She seems confident enough to take a selfie with out make up so whats the problem?

christysmith_1 avatar
Christy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks ugly or ridiculous in the ones she photoshopped, WTF was she thinking? She looks like a clown.

tbrittingham99 avatar
it's me again
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

The only thing that looks real about this is..... oh wait, NOTHING LOOKS REAL!!!!!!

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

Ew. 1. Face a circle. 2. Gradation horrifying. 3. Nose red. 4. Pupils are plates. 5. Eyes repelling. 6. Looks fake. 7. OMG EWW

carrieroettger avatar
Carrie Roettger
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there actually people who believe the top 2 pictures are real???

kkathleen517 avatar
kkathleen517
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like anyone would think that s**t is real. Ps how are people doing this with the camera on their phones?!

crumbelinda avatar
Belinda Crum
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How in the world, does someone actually thinks this actually looks good? Goofy as hell

tbrittingham99 avatar
it's me again
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dollar Store Blow up doll HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

baali_venomax avatar
Baali Venomax
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Original looks good. Altered one looks like one of those creepy dolls from the obscure horror movies.

bernice0590 avatar
Bernice Wittwer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would she choose that creepy filter to begin with? Oh the horror!! 😱

ivystephenson avatar
old boi-o
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people make their images that way to make content, they do now expect others to believe it, just simply attract follows. Anyways, either way, you shouldn't put down people that do this, it makes them feel better and that is all that matters. Instead of being closed-minded, please consider how they feel and why they do it.

ivystephenson avatar
old boi-o
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its a type of content people make, they're not doing it to make it seem like their face, they just do it just to attract a following.

vwinship avatar
Vickie Browning
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

glad I am seeing this in the bright sunlight of the afternoon and not just before bed....*shudder*

dysamoria-accounts avatar
Jace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bottom photo looks like a human woman. The other two... do not.

jennifer_sacrison avatar
Jennifer Sacrison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looked like a doll in the ps ones!!! Just be who you are...duck what everyone else thinks!!!

be13jansen avatar
Bettina Jansen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's no longer a selfie, but an artistic interpretation of your face O.O

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

The distorted view they must have of themselves to think that they have made improvements to their face it is quite sad!

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

I bet that she would like extra if she just wore some natural make-up without filters - she has nice, regular face

15gregorykia avatar
Kiarra Gregory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shes actually on tik tok and rarely uses filters! She uses makeup to achieve her "doll look" and its should be seen as beautiful not ugly or creepy! Those of you who hate her should be ashamed!

georgehudacko avatar
George Hudacko
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FATT a*s black chick no matter how you post it! Yeh the 70's!

edsouza avatar
Ed Souza
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has to be the most terrible photoshop job I have ever seen...

edsouza avatar
Ed Souza
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So I take it someone liked the photoshop work on this? I'm getting down-voted. lol... please continue.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
4 years ago

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It's called false adverising and it should be illegal.

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

If you think that filter pic looks like a real, alive person, you desperately need glasses!

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Sergio Serg
Community Member
4 years ago

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At this level it's a sign of mental health issues

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#6

His Page vs. Her Page. I Guess He Had To Bring Her To His Level ?

His Page vs. Her Page. I Guess He Had To Bring Her To His Level ?

ineverlikedyoulinda , mattkuwata_official2018 Report

The desire to receive approval and to create a positive reputation for oneself means that some people take multiple selfies in order to get the ‘perfect’ shot.

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Dr. Vivienne Lewis, a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Canberra, told the Daily Mail that more and more women are becoming dissatisfied with how they perceive their bodies and their image, thus resulting in a low self-esteem.

#7

Girl, What Is Up With Your Legs?? She Put The Whole Leg On Backwards In The Second Pic!

Girl, What Is Up With Your Legs?? She Put The Whole Leg On Backwards In The Second Pic!

CarleyWard13 Report

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#9

Floors Look A Bit Bent...

Floors Look A Bit Bent...

SpawnOfSlaya Report

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meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crash Bandicoot has set wrong body standards! Being male is so hard! 😭

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“The thing is, they're constantly having to meet unrealistic beauty trends and standards,” Dr. Lewis explained. She noted that there is huge pressure for women to look ‘perfect’ in the age of social media. “Women in particular who are very concerned about their bodies can spend hours editing photos.”

#11

On The Left, Pictures Someone Posted To Twitter Calling Her The Most Beautiful Woman Alive. On The Right, What She Really Looked Like That Day. I Agree She’s Absolutely Gorgeous, So Why Photoshop Her To Make Her Look Like A Doll?

On The Left, Pictures Someone Posted To Twitter Calling Her The Most Beautiful Woman Alive. On The Right, What She Really Looked Like That Day. I Agree She’s Absolutely Gorgeous, So Why Photoshop Her To Make Her Look Like A Doll?

DougJudy038 Report

#12

This Girl Was Posted In Another Post For Falsely Calling Police On Her Neighbor. They Put Both These Pictures In The Article

This Girl Was Posted In Another Post For Falsely Calling Police On Her Neighbor. They Put Both These Pictures In The Article

whylieimhigh Report

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#13

I Cannot Believe She Seriously Posted This

I Cannot Believe She Seriously Posted This

katttd17 Report

#14

This Person Is Running For Mayor Where I Live. Yikes

This Person Is Running For Mayor Where I Live. Yikes

e_lime_pie Report

#16

Left: Instagram, Right: Youtube

Left: Instagram, Right: Youtube

The_Dudette_Lebowski Report

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

Not saying they're not edited, but also with and without very heavy makeup!

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#17

Local Nail Salon Apparently Removes All Wrinkles From Your Hands After Doing Your Nails

Local Nail Salon Apparently Removes All Wrinkles From Your Hands After Doing Your Nails

bluntedassasin4 Report

#18

The Longer You Look At It, The Weirder It Gets

The Longer You Look At It, The Weirder It Gets

reddit.com Report

#19

Now That The Clouds Have Been Pointed Out, That’s The First Thing I Look At Now

Now That The Clouds Have Been Pointed Out, That’s The First Thing I Look At Now

zimzumpogotwig Report

#20

Flexible Bones

Flexible Bones

Flangemange Report

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

The problem is not tge editing. The problem is to assume this to be beautiful and to propose such standards to youngsters.

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#21

Couldn’t Believe My Eyes With This One

Couldn’t Believe My Eyes With This One

holly-golightly- Report

#22

Same Person, Different Angle

Same Person, Different Angle

off_nav Report

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#23

Apparently We Should All Be Ashamed Of Our Knuckles Now

Apparently We Should All Be Ashamed Of Our Knuckles Now

Jo_Elle_Ball Report

#24

I Normally Don't Notice These Things But Come On....

I Normally Don't Notice These Things But Come On....

Disteal Report

#25

Her Instagram Is A Gold Mine For This Stuff. Every Time She Posts, Her Edits Get More Extreme

Her Instagram Is A Gold Mine For This Stuff. Every Time She Posts, Her Edits Get More Extreme

isweartocats Report

#26

May I Present To You, A Thicc Zombie. He Makes Fake Pages To Follow And Comment On His Own Pictures And Deletes Anyone Else’s Comments That Call Him Out

May I Present To You, A Thicc Zombie. He Makes Fake Pages To Follow And Comment On His Own Pictures And Deletes Anyone Else’s Comments That Call Him Out

iwastouchedbyanangle Report

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just disturbing...it sounds like there's something seriously wrong with this guy

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#27

The Guy On The Left (Who Doesn't Really Filter On His Own Insta) Got Filtered By The Other Guy A Bunch Too

The Guy On The Left (Who Doesn't Really Filter On His Own Insta) Got Filtered By The Other Guy A Bunch Too

zer0desu Report

#29

Saw This Girl On Tiktok...atleast She’s Completely Honest About It Lmao

Saw This Girl On Tiktok...atleast She’s Completely Honest About It Lmao

han_chan_ Report

#30

Dude From Tinder Must Think He’s Got Us All Convinced

Dude From Tinder Must Think He’s Got Us All Convinced

sdgdgdg Report

#31

Goldmine Ig Account. There So Many To Choose From

Goldmine Ig Account. There So Many To Choose From

crm4700 Report

#32

Left Was Posted On A Thinspo Insta Page. I Thought They Were Tackling This Issue?

Left Was Posted On A Thinspo Insta Page. I Thought They Were Tackling This Issue?

ElitaWins Report

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#33

I Don’t Even Have To Say Anything

I Don’t Even Have To Say Anything

hecasselm Report

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

She looks so much better without it. Many people here are prettier before all the Photoshop.

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#34

Ouch @ Her Dislocated Hip, She Should Go Get That Checked Out

Ouch @ Her Dislocated Hip, She Should Go Get That Checked Out

AccelGo Report

#37

Completely Changed Her Face Structure

Completely Changed Her Face Structure

MsLunaValentine Report

#38

Christmas Is Coming. Don’t Forget To Photoshop Yourself With A Nice Tree

Christmas Is Coming. Don’t Forget To Photoshop Yourself With A Nice Tree

empenarede Report

#39

I Posted A Girl Who Got Called Out For Photoshopping Her Makeup A While Ago. Now It Seems Even The “Greats” Are Getting Away With It

I Posted A Girl Who Got Called Out For Photoshopping Her Makeup A While Ago. Now It Seems Even The “Greats” Are Getting Away With It

keepshootingfilm Report

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

Everyone knows James Charles is digitally altering his photos and making his makeup look better than it is, which isn't good when you're supposed to be a makeup artist....

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#40

The Picture She Posted vs. The Original

The Picture She Posted vs. The Original

bosca3 Report

#41

The Photo She Posted vs. The One Her Friend Posted Of Her

The Photo She Posted vs. The One Her Friend Posted Of Her

reddit.com Report

#42

He Is Honestly Very Talented But The Editing Is Just So Unrealistic

He Is Honestly Very Talented But The Editing Is Just So Unrealistic

vanitysaddiction Report

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#43

At Least She Edited Her Friend Too

At Least She Edited Her Friend Too

fiatretreatweek Report

#44

On Today's Edition Of What I Bought vs. What Arrived

On Today's Edition Of What I Bought vs. What Arrived

lomoliving Report

Note: this post originally had 56 images. It’s been shortened to the top 44 images based on user votes.