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In some ways, the endless lockdowns have been freeing. We’re starting to care less about how we look, how we dress, and whether or not we’ve got make-up on. Well… some of us, anyway. Even though we might be spending more of our time at home than ever before, there are plenty of people who are addicted to social media going overboard with photo-editing their pics before posting them on Instagram because they want to feel validated or loved. People who stumble upon the heavily altered pics in their feeds can’t help but call them out by sharing them on the r/Instagramreality subreddit that has a whopping 917k members and even their very own ‘Reptilian Overlord’ (that’s the title that the head moderator goes by).

Upvote the photos that got you to pause with how over-edited they are and let us know your opinion about why people do this in the comments. Want to feel better about using just basic filters or nothing at all on your own photos? You can check out our latest posts about the awesome ‘Instagram Reality’ community right here, here, as well as here. Keep in mind that, however funny some of these photos might look, some of the people behind the selfies might have serious social media addictions.

Read on for Bored Panda's interview with the head moderator of the subreddit. We also wanted to learn more about social media addiction, how the lockdowns are affecting our online activities, and when we should start worrying about the time we spend on the net, so we reached out to the UK Addiction Treatment Group. Nuno Albuquerque, the Head of Treatment for the UK Addiction Treatment Group, told us that social media addiction is a relatively new phenomenon that everyone is still learning about every single day. Read on for their in-depth insights and, if you'd like to know more about the signs and symptoms of a social media or internet-based disorder, you can visit the UKAT website right here.

#1

Aging Really Shouldn’t Be Something We’re Ashamed Of

Aging Really Shouldn’t Be Something We’re Ashamed Of

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#3

Her Entire Profile Is Filled With These!

Her Entire Profile Is Filled With These!

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wandiledludlu avatar
Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She might be in witness protection and has to alter what she looks like... we don't know

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The head moderator of the r/Instagramreality subreddit, Zaza9000, told Bored Panda that 2020 was "hard on all of us," so they try to keep the community easy to engage with and be a part of. This openness is one of the reasons why the subreddit is so popular. "Last year so many people have shared interesting stories from their personal lives and I really hope we can carry that into 2021."

According to the head moderator, there have been some shifts in how people approach editing their content. Recently, there's been more interest in video editing than photo editing, for instance. "Especially apps like Facetune2 and SNOW that allows you to edit your body and certain Instagram filters that can make your lips appear bigger and make your skin unrealistically perfect. Seeing them glitch in videos has been a really popular topic on the sub," they explained.

"For us non-influencer, regular people of course travel isn't always an option especially if it's just for a vacation away. Unfortunately, there have been a few influencers that don't care, to be blunt. Some of them feel like traveling and being on vacation is necessary and well-deserved even though people in the medical field, teachers, retail workers, etc. don't get to just jump on a jet and get away."

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#4

Same Person - Instagram & Screenshot On Television

Same Person - Instagram & Screenshot On Television

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#5

Do Male Ig Models Count?

Do Male Ig Models Count?

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#6

Her Ig Profile Picture vs. A Screencap Of The TV Show She's On

Her Ig Profile Picture vs. A Screencap Of The TV Show She's On

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"A person can be addicted to anything, but they are only suffering an addiction if whatever it is they are 'using' has taken over their lives, and that they as individuals have lost the power of choice, i.e. that they cannot, regardless of how much they want to, stop 'using'. This is the effect that addiction has, it robs the individual of the ability to stop. Even if that individual is aware of the negative physical, psychological, or financial consequences, they still cannot stop. It is essential to not use the word 'addiction' flippantly; if a person is addicted, then they are in need of professional help and support," Albuquerque, the Head of Treatment for the UKAT Group, explained to Bored Panda, highlighting that nobody should throw around the term 'addiction' without realizing the weight the word carries.

According to him, it's the Covid-19 lockdowns are making us spend more time on social media because of how much things have changed. It's not all doom and gloom with social media, however, we should be aware of how much its use affects us.

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"We would say that it is more than likely that society as a whole spent more time on social media and other internet-based platforms during the Covid-19 lockdowns than before, simply because for many, their normal day to day life was turned upside down, or even stopped altogether, and so a lot of people found they had more spare time on their hands. Some people turned to social media during the lockdown to stay connected with others, which is really important and actually a healthy approach to take. Where it starts to negatively affect a person is when being on social media consumes them completely, and they no longer want to be present in their actual 'offline' day."

#7

When Your Head Is Thrice As Large As Your Thigh...

When Your Head Is Thrice As Large As Your Thigh...

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#8

Photoshop Skills Level Above 1000

Photoshop Skills Level Above 1000

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#9

Yup Nothing To See Here

Yup Nothing To See Here

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Bored Panda was also interested to understand where the line between a regular social media user and somebody who is addicted lies. Albuquerque's take on this is that even though this line is different for each individual, it's important to recognize whether or not the person has lost the power of choice.

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"If the person cannot undertake their regular day to day routine without being on social media or needing to get back to being on social media, as in they have potentially developed not only a psychological desire to be online but also physical urges begin as well, then there could well be an addiction there," he went into detail.

"An unhealthy relationship with social media could also be recognized if the individual develops mental health illness from being online, for example, feelings of anxiety or depression arising during or after being on social media. Similarly, for some people we have treated at our UK Addiction Treatment Centres, being on social media is a trigger for them to then misuse drugs or alcohol. During therapy, we address why a person drinks alcohol or misuses drugs, and for some, it is because of their unhealthy relationship with social media," the UKAT Group Head of Treatment revealed how social media can be linked to other addictions.

#11

The All New Curved Iphones

The All New Curved Iphones

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#12

She Claims Her Body Is “Natural” And All “Genetics”

She Claims Her Body Is “Natural” And All “Genetics”

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ltdn_org avatar
Karen Grace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With that freakishly tiny waist I'm guessing her internal organs got squished down into her butt.

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"The most important piece of advice we can give is to be mindful and aware; check in with yourself during and after time spent on social media, ask yourself how do you feel? Can you now switch off and get on with your day? Any negative feelings or inability to move on from being online should be a red flag," Albuquerque said.

We’re social animals after all, as David Brooks argues in his book. And the desire to be accepted by our peers and our community members is hardwired into us: we’re far more social than our modern culture of individualism gives us credit for. Approval, love, adoration, respect—they’re all things that we want.

However, taken to an extreme, our desire for social approval can grow into desperation. Couple that with social media addiction (we are, some of us, spending more time online than usual and the problem could be getting worse) and you’ve got the perfect breeding ground for folks who want to show the world their best possible side in exchange for attention online. At any cost.

#13

This Guy's Instagram Is A Goldmine

This Guy's Instagram Is A Goldmine

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#14

Croatian Singer. Yes This Is The Same Perosn

Croatian Singer. Yes This Is The Same Perosn

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#15

Rib Removal? Nah, Photoshop

Rib Removal? Nah, Photoshop

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ltdn_org avatar
Karen Grace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She actually has a very nice figure. Much better looking than the photo shopped pic.

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Ember
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks stunning in the second picture, why edit the first one?

michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about: Edit both pictures? Now people think the second picture is reality, and conclude she looked super all along.

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Adam C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg she is so nice alrealdy...people never get satisfied??

troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The general public is influenced by instagrammers. Instagrammers are influenced by women in Pixar movies.

kaliniemann avatar
Phoenix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her figure is actually pretty nice already, why photoshop to look like you got no ribs

tristessa avatar
Juniper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know what you cant get when you have snatched waist and big hips and thighs? Fitting pair of jeans!

kitty-cat1415 avatar
Schrodinger's Cat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks so pretty in the second pic... What's with having super skinny waists??

bagladyele avatar
EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so bad! You can see where she’s coloured in her chest and over the coat.

lillyadele315 avatar
Jo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly she looks so much better without photoshop!

caleblumpkin avatar
Caleb Lumpkin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i dont understand why women think that changing how they look is gonna make them look better. natural beauty is where its at. she looks absouletly amazing without the photoshop. i mean to a guy like me i would want a girl whose waist isnt 3 inches wide

ekparker avatar
Hadesdaughter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well She is also SOOOOOOOOOO beautiful, but are yall forgetting what dolly Partons rib cage looks like?

ahowton96 avatar
FlitterBug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first one looks like a video game character, while the second is actually a very pretty woman in a stunning dress.

kellyhoover avatar
KelBel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No wonder so many people suffer from body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Pictures like this are ridiculous and young girls are seeing these pics thinking "this is how I should look, or else I'm not worthy, etc"... VERY DISTURBING

bonnie_lauria avatar
Bonnie Lauria
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mmmm to me, it looks like a boob job and her shirt has black sides.

54b1758c9974d avatar
Lynne Stankard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the lovely young lady on the right is convinced the horror on the left looks better?????????

lucy_hill121289 avatar
Lucy Hill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her Adidas top has black panels on the sides. I’m not sure how much this has been photoshopped, if at all. Might just be a trick of the light and shadows.

molnar2517 avatar
MaryEllen Molnar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can tell it’s photo shopped it, by the size of her jeans on the top where her belt is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pair of jeans that resembles that in anyway shape or form, too bad because she’s so lovely as it is…

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Karen Van Scoyk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She does have a really nice figure...the photoshop is just TOO weird for words!!!

phillybobsquires avatar
Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The pic in the red is hot as hell... the one on the left though... geez. Why?

alanwilkening avatar
Earl Grey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Swedish model Pixee Fox spent over £80,000 on cosmetic surgery, including having 6 ribs removed to achieve a cartoonish 14 inch waist. You can look it up. It is gross, and there have been others, male and female, who have done something similar.

freedombyfarming avatar
Crystal Dafoe
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's an American. Totally sad people do that. https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/7935167/plastic-surgery-addict-pixee-fox-denied-more-surgery/

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rpepperpot avatar
Susan Trevaskis-Owen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If her body really looked like that, there is no way in hell she'd ever find clothes that fit.

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

Jeez, I'm actually embarrassed for these people. Are they really that clueless?

katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she looks so much better in reality, she doesn't need to even photoshop! how silly!

brettlayton avatar
Brett Layton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe the first time I couldd see the bad photoediting so easily in the finished product. I mean if youre gonna fake it at least make it believable.

lindastorm2000 avatar
Linda HS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People STOP watching stupid people on TV and read a book instead!!!

madeleine-dawson avatar
Madi D.
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

maddie-star-2 avatar
Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😆 I want to pop those boobs with a pin... Beautiful lady, just why?... 🤔

sj-dumond avatar
JD Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ladies, nobody's buying it. The first pic makes her look unintelligent and cheap. The second is actually very sexy.

katsukibakugou avatar
Kota
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You ever think that maybe it's not photoshopped, but the sides of her shirt are black making her figure look thinner?? Lmao-

katsukibakugou avatar
Kota
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You ever think that maybe it's not photoshopped, but the sides of her shirt are black making her figure look thinner??

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According to ‘UK Rehab,’ overusing social media affects more than just the individual: the community spirit can break down and there’s also a general loss in productivity. What’s more, social media addiction “can also trigger mental health problems” and will continue to lead to even more issues as it’s becoming “even more prevalent than drinking.”

You’d need to see a specialist to determine whether or not you’re actually addicted to social media, but, in general, addiction is something that we continue to do despite it having obvious negative effects on us.

Something else to keep an eye out for that could indicate that we’re addicted to social media is that we hide how much time we spend on social media. What’s more, we fall behind on our responsibilities both at home and at work, we get defensive whenever somebody brings the subject up, and we withdraw from the real world to spend more time online.

#16

The Instagram Pic vs. The Paparazzi Pic

The Instagram Pic vs. The Paparazzi Pic

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#17

Found A Shape Shifter In The Wild

Found A Shape Shifter In The Wild

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Berry Budgie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cant even tell its the same person... though i can hardly say person for the first pic

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#18

Please Don’t Compare Yourself To Instagram. They Don’t Look Like That In Real Life. Skin Texture Is Normal

Please Don’t Compare Yourself To Instagram. They Don’t Look Like That In Real Life. Skin Texture Is Normal

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#19

A Popular Fitness Influencer (1m+ On Instagram) Who Pushes The Idea Of Body Positivity...caught Photoshopping A Thigh Gap

A Popular Fitness Influencer (1m+ On Instagram) Who Pushes The Idea Of Body Positivity...caught Photoshopping A Thigh Gap

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#20

Her Promo Pic On Social Media vs. Photo From Her Promo Event.

Her Promo Pic On Social Media vs. Photo From Her Promo Event.

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troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like one of those face merge jobs that combine both women.

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#21

A Model And TV Host

A Model And TV Host

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#22

Jesus What Happened To Her

Jesus What Happened To Her

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#23

Uh

Uh

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ME
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is exactly what 6 year old girls think of when you say there gonna grow up big and strong

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#24

This “Influencer” Who Has A New Face Everyday

This “Influencer” Who Has A New Face Everyday

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#25

His Instagram Pics Versus Real Life Video Screenshots

His Instagram Pics Versus Real Life Video Screenshots

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Lys Chen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine meeting up on a date with him. I wouldn´t recognize him and just think I got stood up..

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#26

4k Up Top 240p Down Bottom

4k Up Top 240p Down Bottom

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#27

Photo She Posted vs. Tagged. Same Woman

Photo She Posted vs. Tagged. Same Woman

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#28

Altering Photos To Look Like A Teenager, Disturbing

Altering Photos To Look Like A Teenager, Disturbing

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#29

Every Single Picture Is Like This

Every Single Picture Is Like This

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#30

Her Instagram vs. Her Youtube Channel

Her Instagram vs. Her Youtube Channel

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Kanishka Patel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is so beautiful in real life. She looks like somebody you would want to talk to.

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#31

Found On A Fitness Inspo Page

Found On A Fitness Inspo Page

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Ember
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No wonder kids struggle with eating disorders and depression trying to reach these unattainable goals. It’s so sad.

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#32

When It’s Hard To Keep Track Of Your Imaginary Measurements

When It’s Hard To Keep Track Of Your Imaginary Measurements

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#33

Girl What's Going On With Your Neck And Chest....apparently This Is For A Magazine Photoshoot Too

Girl What's Going On With Your Neck And Chest....apparently This Is For A Magazine Photoshoot Too

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#34

I Think A Lot Of People Don’t Realise How Much This Girl Edits Her Photos

I Think A Lot Of People Don’t Realise How Much This Girl Edits Her Photos

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#36

Left One Was Tagged " Naturalbeauty"And The Right One Is From A Video Like A Few Days Before And Even That With Heavy Make-Up On

Left One Was Tagged " Naturalbeauty"And The Right One Is From A Video Like A Few Days Before And Even That With Heavy Make-Up On

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#38

I Guess That Was Nice Shooting In Berlin?

I Guess That Was Nice Shooting In Berlin?

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Cecilia Herrera
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks like the wrong upper and lower parts of the accident victims were sewn together. Please don't show us how the other halves look.

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#39

This Notorious Instagram Bully Hates Photoshop, But Only When Other Girls Are Using It

This Notorious Instagram Bully Hates Photoshop, But Only When Other Girls Are Using It

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#41

Guys, I Found My First One In The Wild!

Guys, I Found My First One In The Wild!

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#44

Instagram Profile Picture Of Someone I Know...

Instagram Profile Picture Of Someone I Know...

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#45

All The Comments Are Praising Her. Over Editing On Social Media Is Why Young Girls Have Self Esteem Issues

All The Comments Are Praising Her. Over Editing On Social Media Is Why Young Girls Have Self Esteem Issues

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that the real problem here is that pair of dreadful trousers.

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#48

Just Found Whole Compilation Of Her Reality vs. Instagram Photos

Just Found Whole Compilation Of Her Reality vs. Instagram Photos

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#49

This Guy Is Really Cute And Has A Nice Body, But Edits His Pics So Badly. Instagram Pic vs. Youtube Still

This Guy Is Really Cute And Has A Nice Body, But Edits His Pics So Badly. Instagram Pic vs. Youtube Still

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#50

These Are 4 Different Women & None Of Them Are Kim Kardashian Or Kardashian Related. #thekardashianeffect

These Are 4 Different Women & None Of Them Are Kim Kardashian Or Kardashian Related. #thekardashianeffect

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Note: this post originally had 103 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.