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If you’re an avid internet user, your answer to the question “How often do you learn something new when browsing the internet?” is probably something along the lines of “Pretty often.” Most of us on the internet arguably learn plenty of new things on a daily basis, be it fun facts or the news from around the world.

Today, we want to encourage you to get acquainted with even more fun and interesting facts as you surf online, so we have a whole bunch of them put together for you to browse. On the list below, you can find some of the most interesting posts, as shared by the ‘Greatest Reactions’ Instagram account, so wait not a second longer and scroll down to see if there’s anything you were still unfamiliar with.

On the list below, you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with Kevin Bennett, Ph.D., a full teaching professor of psychology at Penn State University, and the creator of the Kevin Bennett Is Snarling podcast, who was kind enough to share his views on why we find random facts so interesting.

#1

Chef in a kitchen, honoring late son by cooking for hospice patients. Interesting facts about his inspiring journey.

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talliloo
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've seen some of the food he prepares. since we first eat with our eyes he makes sure that all the meals look appetizing. the hospice staff reported that people who were refusing to eat or eating very little started eating better. the meals that were most impressive were those that needed to be soft and/or pureed.

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    Started roughly a decade ago, the ‘Greatest Reactions’ Instagram account now boasts close to 9 million followers, and it’s not difficult to see why. Sharing all sorts of facts, the page covers nearly any and every topic there is, making sure every internet user can find something that interests them on the page.

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    Seeking to learn why we find all sorts of bits of information interesting, even if we’re not particularly interested in the topic they relate to, we got in touch with a full teaching professor of psychology at Penn State University, and the creator of the Kevin Bennett Is Snarling podcast, Dr. Kevin Bennett.

    He noted that most people are natural pattern-seekers and story-makers. A single fact, like octopuses having three hearts, can light up their mental map and connect to something totally unrelated, like human emotion or sci-fi movies.

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    “Some people engage with new facts and information the same way a collector does,” Dr. Bennett told Bored Panda. “There can be a bit of obsession about picking up new items for their collection. It’s not always the topic that grabs us, but the ‘aha!’ moment that feels like discovering a secret.”

    #6

    Black dog in a pet bed under a sign with a crossed-out baby symbol; highlights an interesting millennial trend.

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    Nimitz
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd also rather have pets than politicians. Just throwing that out there...

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    According to Dr. Bennett, curiosity might play a role, too, when it comes to learning random facts. “Curiosity is like cognitive caffeine—it energizes the brain to explore, even if the reward is just a quirky tidbit,” he said. “Random facts scratch the itch of curiosity without the commitment of deep study, giving us that little dopamine hit that says, ‘Hey, I know something cool now.’”

    #11

    Elderly woman smiling and recovering in hospital, highlighting interesting facts about her life-saving kidney transplant.

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    Marlene Ricker
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So somebody paid her back for her heroic efforts on 911. I guess that's karma in action!

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    Talking about the role the internet plays in learning, the expert pointed out that the internet has made learning a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. “It turns every rabbit hole into a potential discovery, collapsing the distance between ‘I’ve never heard of this’ and ‘I’m an armchair expert.’

    “Plus, there is an element of sharing online, especially with social media,” he added. “Of course, it also means we need to be more mindful about separating credible facts from digital noise.”

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    #13

    A woman smiling at a screen, exemplifying interesting facts about humor and emotional stability.

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    Dragons Exist
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like they should add "generally" or "most" in there, since I love dark humor but I'm *far* from mentally-stable or smart

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    #14

    Cancer cell in focus with red blood cells nearby, highlighting a significant scientific discovery.

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    Always Malfunctioning
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just lost my mother to cancer this past December 16th. Shame on you Nimitz for posting such an asinine comment. Have you ever heard of karma??

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    But be it because of the internet or not, some people are more eager to learn than others. Wondering why that is, we asked Dr. Bennett, who believes that interest is a cocktail of personality, past experiences, emotional relevance, and sometimes just great timing.

    “When something feels meaningful—or even just entertaining—we’re far more likely to lean in,” he said. “The trick is making the material feel like it belongs to the learner, not just something they’re supposed to memorize.”

    #16

    Japanese flag with snowy mountain and plastic bottle by the sea highlighting interesting environmental innovation facts.

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    Dragons Exist
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But does it cost less than regular plastic? Because that's what'll determine if it becomes widely-used or not

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    #18

    Shelter cat looks transformed after adoption, showcasing an interesting fact about pet transformations.

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    Black Cat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I adopted a stray because he had the saddest little face I'd ever seen. These days he looks positively smug!

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    #19

    McDonald's employee celebrates retirement after 32 years, highlighting interesting facts about dedication and achievement.

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    KrazyChiMama
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since Down Syndrome often accompanies heart defects/diaease, I have a lot of experience with people who have it. Some are very high functioning and aside from their physical appearance you almost wouldn’t know they do have it. Others are lower functioning and require more care. One thing that’s for sure no two are exactly alike! :) (side note: in my experience, they don’t have a mean bone in their body and they’re probably the most genuinely kind people you’ll ever meet)

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    #20

    Therapy horse comforting a patient in a hospital room, showcasing interesting facts about animal therapy.

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    Pamina
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Peyo and his owner once competed in dressage events, but now they dedicate their time to visiting a French hospital, where Peyo often stays with patients until their final moments. In the hospital, Peyo signals to his trainer which room he wants to visit next by stopping or raising his leg. At 15 years old, Peyo appears to have the ability to detect when humans have cancers or tumors.

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    #23

    Young boy in a baseball uniform receives a Citizen Service Award with a group in a formal setting.

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    Agfox
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A 10-year old is being hailed a hero after he took the wheel when his grandfather experienced a medical emergency. On July 15, Drake Linn “was in a pickup truck towing a boat when his grandfather, who was driving, suffered a medical emergency” on Interstate 75, according to a Facebook post on Gordon County Sheriff's Office in Calhoun, Georgia. Fortunately, police said that the boy "was able to take control of the truck and boat and drive it safely to the roadside." Then, he "called 911 and provided precise information for first responders.

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    #26

    Person joyfully carrying a baby home from NICU, surrounded by smiling well-wishers; an interesting milestone moment.

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    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Congratulations! 🥳 Here's wishing health and happiness to you both 🥳 23 weeks, it's so amazing how far medicine and science has progressed

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    #29

    Elderly woman enjoying a cigarette with wine and chocolate, highlighting interesting facts about longevity.

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    Richard Graham
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is Jeanne Calment (1875 to 1997). She is French, so she was required by French law to smoke, drink wine, and eat chocolate daily.

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    #31

    Fluffy dog sniffing a carpet, exploring interesting facts about scent detection.

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    G A
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my cats lets me know when it's meal time every day. Although he also races to the kitchen every time I move, just in case.....

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    #36

    Skeleton posed with a dog's skeleton, illustrating a unique fact about a teacher's donation to science.

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    G A
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Professor Grover Krantz, bigfoot hunter. Put the names on, at least!

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    #38

    Grey dog resting on a leather chair, appearing thoughtful at night.

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you think that dogs find it weird that humans put feet on our feet to go outside, or that we put on a layer of skin over our bodies in the morning and take it off again at night? Or am I overthinking because I'm tired?

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    #39

    Man grimacing as a cat lies on him, with an inset image of a relaxed cat on a street, illustrating interesting cat facts.

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    Mook The Mediocre
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cats don't like excessive attention from meddling and intrusive strangers. Cats will, however, prefer people who ignore them... like cat-haters, and those allergic to cats.

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    #43

    Man holding a giant freshwater fish beside a river, illustrating one of 80 interesting facts about capturing rare species.

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    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Catch-and-release fishing is an extraordinarily gruesome thing to do if you think about it. Imagine that it was a bird or mammal being hooked by their mouth and then dragged around by some giggling eejit.

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    #44

    NFL helmet featuring historic Blackfeet Chief, highlighting rebranding and cultural considerations.

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the Blackfoot nation is ok with the image, then fair enough, but the issue was the name, not the logo.

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    #50

    Rainbow flag at a pride parade with an inset of an Iraqi parliament meeting highlighting interesting facts on legislation.

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    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BP reinforces the bigotry with peculiar censoring.

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    Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.