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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

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

She looks like one of those life-like sex toy dolls.

gillian-mackenzie-169 avatar
Gillian Mackenzie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That just is sad. I'm sure she is lovely looking IRL and doesn't need any photo shopping

ambroise-lescop-2 avatar
Shelp
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man is like "wow I finally met the Neptunian ambassador, best day ever"

squee1000 avatar
Laura
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was acquainted with someone who's entire FB profile was done like this. It was really creepy to look at.

dragonluver92 avatar
NoDramaPartyLlama
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You start seeing this face in every photo shortly before she comes for you....

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

If she ever went missing, no one would know what she looks like to find her.

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

IT looks like a mannequin more than a human . . . actually it has nothing like a human.

kjl01 avatar
Karen Lyon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand women who think that being so photoshopped and/or made-up to the point that they look like mannequins.

faithhh02 avatar
Faith Hurst
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who thinks this looks better than whatever you looked like before? What disorder causes this?

bob_1956 avatar
Robert Bois le Duc
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inflatable love doll, easy to take on vacation & pose like she's a real girlfriend. "Yup, this is my girlfriend, Pneumatic Patty"

rahni avatar
Rannveig Ess
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if I'm at all correct on this as I couldn't be on social media due to my job and so mercifully have avoided it BUT people who have to go so, so artificially out of their way, every picture, to create a "not them" to the point of being so fake and artificial...this to me seems like a type of self-loathing, or a type of body-image dysphoria illness. I see so many beautiful people who, flaws or not, imperfections or not, just see themselves as some 'thing" to tweak, filter, rearrange. To the point of it being sad, sick and creepy. I am amazed at posts that show people's Instagram, etc., pictures and their "real" pictures. Some make you gasp, I can't see anything healthy in having to create and be addicted to manipulating "you". I'm sad for these folks.

klherout avatar
Lou Herout
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never seen anyone bring their realdoll out in public before

pascale_pierloot avatar
Pascale Pierloot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine brushing your teeth before bed...the horror of looking in the mirror and seeing the real you!!

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

This woman looks like she died...and the mortician did a super good job! .,

naomi_cline avatar
Naomi Cline
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bionic woman? She lost her head so she was taken to a secret lab for experimental surgery using a dolls head

eleanorberry avatar
Anime SImp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ashley what have i told you about ripping the heads off my barbie dolls and attaching them to your neck

fracarr avatar
François Carré
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We'd rather congratulate her for wearing that integral mask constantly, she's very brave. An example for us all.

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a photo of first contact. It's nice that alien took time to post with a human.

betty_harrison avatar
Amelia Earhart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes the guy look creepy, like he's on a date with a mannequin!

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

Does that guy have a Real Doll for a gf or something? That's messed up.

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

She looks like one of those “real dolls” desperate men order online. Probably as ‘bright’ as one.

vidimlic62 avatar
Mimi777
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A girl I graduated HS with does this to all of her pics on social media, I have her mom as a friend and she does the same thing to all of her pics as well. I don’t understand why these people think it looks good!

marcangelinaalcober avatar
MarcAngelina Alcober
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

So apparently the reboot of IRobot is using the same special effects as the original.

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

Need to stop reding these while having coffee with my cat on my lap...Poor kitty!

jaydenturner avatar
Jayden Turner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is the perfect face for a person. except uncletrash... (he exploded)

angelsare44 avatar
Emily
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't there a sub-culture where men are in relationships with mannequins?

lorrierothstein avatar
Lorrie Rothstein
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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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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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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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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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.