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TikToker Goes Viral By Exposing The Truth Behind Heavily-Edited Pictures On Social Media (30 Pics)
The most widespread use of augmented reality isn't in gaming: it's the face filters on social media. In fact, around 1 out of 5 Americans who has ever had any social media account has used a beauty filter before posting pictures on social media, according to this report.
And while their damaging role on self-esteem and confidence is crystal clear, the rise of selfie culture is bringing people to new levels of fakery on social media. The TikToker and makeup artist Holly Cockerill has clearly had enough of that.
While knowing the inner workings of the beauty industry, she showed just how fake social media is. In a series of TikTok videos, Holly ‘exposed’ her own Instagram vs reality selfies that went viral, amassing millions of views. “Social media is fake, don’t be fooled,” the caption read and as you scroll below, you can clearly see what she meant.
@hollycockerillmua Social media is fake, don’t be fooled ☺️ #fyp #fakevsreal #instagramvsreality #loveyourself ♬ Praise God - Kanye West
TikToker Holly added that she didn't use the pictures shown in this experiment on her social media
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Lenka Smetanová 4 years ago
HOW!!! I CAN'T EVEN DO THIS AFTER LIKE.... 10 YEARS OF USING PHOTOSHOP :D :D
Rhianna Hopkins 4 years ago
To be honest the picture without the filter you both are better looking than with the filter..
Jamie Lynn Hamlin-Hammoudeh 3 years ago
Did no one read the article?!?! Everyone is totally missing the point!
Bored Panda reached out to Holly Cockerill, a social media creator and makeup artist based in Blackburn who went viral for this Tik Tok video series. Holly is 27 years old and works as a support worker for people with learning disabilities.
“I enjoy making people laugh so I started making funny videos on Tik Tok,” Holly recounted and added that “but then I had a passion for makeup and that’s why I created my makeup page and that’s where my ‘Instagram vs real life’ videos are on.”
When asked what inspired her to create the now-viral "Social media is fake, don't be fooled" videos, Holly said that she got an idea after she posted a few images years ago when she had acne and I got a good response from people who could relate. “So it started from there,” she said.
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#2
William Teach 4 years ago
I'm simply shocked that people on social media would alter their photos! I've never heard of this happening!!!!1!!!!
Lea S. 4 years ago
???? I don't get it. The sarcasm is supposed to be hilarious? Most of us know things are frequently altered...the headline didn't say this was shocking news.
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Marcellus II 4 years ago
Was looking for all 9 differences like a kid's game... "OK her face; his moustache and below lower lip...; his crow's feet; .... surely one of the baubles must be changed?"
Kelley Baltierra 3 years ago
They look completely fake on the left. I prefer the photo on the right
#3
Mimi La Souris 4 years ago (edited)
I’m amazed that she’s thinking about changing her face and reducing her waist, but not closing her button :)
Amazon QT 4 years ago
She couldn’t even button all of her button fly! Oh and she’s made her waist like by 4-5 inches. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
JASH80 3 years ago
you are aware of the fact that she is altering her pics to show how easy it is, right?
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Susanne Bækvig 3 years ago
The fake one must be the one on the right. She i prettier in that picture
Kelley Baltierra 3 years ago
Not bad except for too much makeup but why not just let your hair down normally? And yes use sunblock
Boreedout of my mind 4 years ago
This one was not that unrealistic before I noticed her waist, because she could look like that if she did her makeup and hair
“But I’m guilty of always scrolling through Instagram and seeing ‘perfect’ selfies with the perfect life and it made me feel so bad about myself and I'd constantly compare myself to these fake images,” Holly told us in an interview. “I then started seeing accounts showing celebrities and popular influencers on social media vs real life and I couldn’t believe the difference.”
That’s when she started her own ‘Instagram vs real-life images. “It made me feel so much better after I had girls message me saying my posts were helping them, so I continued to do them.”
#4
Vicky Z 4 years ago
At least she is not insecure about her body! I don't see many changes there maybe a little bit on the waist?
PurpleDoople 4 years ago
Why would she be insecure? She looks great, and I’m hardly into girls to begin with!
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Travis Fox 4 years ago
Omg the color of the face and neck against the body tone! It looks like they cut her head out of a magazine and pasted it on the body. Awful! And people fall for this?!!!
ForgotMyPWSendHelp 4 years ago
Something about her in some of her before photos reminds me of Florence Pugh. She doesn't look exactly like her but looks like she could be a sister or a cousin.
#5
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
Please don't be insecure about acne or acne scars ✌️❤️ we in the same boat
Rhea.S🤍 4 years ago
Girl smile in the before pic too❤the idea that you have to be all glammed up to be confident is ridiculous.Own it on your off days too
Nahkaparturi X 3 years ago
This would actually be great. You could be a successfull "influencer" but still go outside and anywhere else since nobody would be able to recognize the real you from these plastic "fantasies".
Dorothy Cloud 2 years ago
I hope they don't use these "unreal" photos on ID's. They'd never get let in anywhere!!
Eliza Osenbaugh-Stewart 3 years ago
The one on the left looks so creepy - it's got that robot trying to hard to look human vibe
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
I have no Idea how this is done but I don't understand why If it's to meet a guy in person its you real face he' gonna see I really don't get it!
#6
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
That means big ass and fat fake lips - right? Wanna see this in 40 years!
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Mónica Elisabeth Sacco 2 years ago
She is beautiful enough to need such silly Kardashian-lish filters!
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Your head looks like it belongs to someone else...really bad foundation match in both pictures.
Amanda Nolting 4 years ago
Right and I thought "well no one would believe the first picture because the face doesn't match the rest of the body's color or tone at all". And then I saw the second, real picture and well. Yeah.
Load More Replies...Holly believes that the use of beauty filters has a massive effect on people, especially the younger generation. “These young people look up to influencers and want to be like them or look like them. And if those influencers are using an app that changes everything about themselves then it’s making normal people question why they don’t look good enough,” she explained.
She continued: “People start to hate themselves which then can cause serious mental health problems. They are comparing themselves to life like ‘avatars’ that don’t even exist and it’s scary. Young people will get surgery to look like their idols when really those idols don’t even look like they portray themselves online.”
#7
Amazon QT 4 years ago
Me too. She’s trying too hard to be done up! Sad he’s got low self worth. 🤥😵💫😵
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#8
KatHat 4 years ago
I hate so much about these damn apps, and this isn't the worst part, but the way they took a quirky half-smile and made it a vapid "lips partly open pouty face" is just UGH. They make all the women look plastic and fake, AND like they have no personality. Chuck them all in the volcano (the apps, not the women ;) )
Philly Bob Squires 4 years ago
The real pic she is stunning! Definitely prettier in the real photo.
Alli VanHuysen 3 years ago
All of these people were so pretty before, as a person who's not the best at seeing if something was edited or not it hurts my confidence to see these people and know that I will never look like that. It hurts so bad that society has such a focus on beauty and looks that we have given up on morals and empowerment in favor of texture-less skin and fake lips and hair.
Johanne Trudeau 4 years ago
Only the Kardasians look like that because they probably use this app. Reality is not like that...
#9
Narutofansforlife 4 years ago
She looks pretty in the no filter on the filter she looks plain up ugly my opinion
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
Lt pic has bigger ass kina pointy second pic looks like she just got out of traction!
Holly also said that “everyone has flaws, texture, scars, etc. but seeing perfect images all the time makes you feel like you shouldn’t, it’s dangerous.”
“I’ve seen a lot more people talk about the fakery on social media and I’ve started to follow accounts that make me feel better and happy instead of following those that make me question my self-worth,” she said. “It’s so refreshing to scroll through Instagram and actually enjoy it again. If more people showed their true self then more people will relate to it,” she said. Holly added that she hopes that looking perfect all the time will run out of fashion.
#10
CHRISTY SMITH 2 years ago
I like how her eyes are legit crossed in the right one, like she's been possessed or something.
Roberto Rojas Balarezo 3 years ago
me: i always lose myself in your eyes her: awww, and why is that? me: because i never know where you are looking at
#11
TahJia Williams 4 years ago
natural looks better. the left looks like one of those desperate models that removes their ribs for the hourglass shape. blehh
Cam Atkinson 3 years ago
It added in an entire mouth and longer hair, why are sunglasses so hard to believe?
Load More Replies... #12
Susanne Bækvig 3 years ago
And I had no idea why anybody would want to look like that
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Amanda Nolting 4 years ago
"Ahh yes. He looks so much better with that stringy, greasy hair." Said no one. Ever.
Amaranthim Talon 4 years ago
If I was her guy I would be concerned that she doesn't like the REAL me- but photoshops me to fit her ideal... I mean- that's not even the same guy!
Amazon QT 4 years ago
Yes and it’s very low self asteem building too! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Load More Replies... CHRISTY SMITH 2 years ago
I can't put my finger on it, I think it's because of the hair and facial hair, but let's not pretend that her BF isn't more attractive in the first pic whereas there's not too much difference with her pic.
#13
Travis Fox 4 years ago
First believable one I've seen. It's not drastic, just evening the skin tone and a bit of makeup.
Miss Cris 4 years ago
I think you just got used to her alternative face :)
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TahJia Williams 4 years ago
honey you kno all you gotta do is apply the makeup. them you xan go out in real life like that
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
Best yet but why the lips looks like they could suck a cap off a bottle of beer!
#14
#15
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
Maybe just take your hair down? It seems to be a common theme, just have your hair down for pictures, it'll be faster than photoshop
Honu 4 years ago
Weird how the processing has made her look more smiley while he looks less happy than in the original pic.
Miss Cris 4 years ago
Only women are required to be always smily. Men can look sexy in a serious face.
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#16
#17
Amazon QT 4 years ago
It’s not photoshop, it’s face tune- she’s just uploading her pic and fixing it through that. She really needs to get into a good skin regimen- that face is a disaster.
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Stéphanie Isabeaux 4 years ago
Nothing isn't real here anymore and that's just so sad, because she's beautiful enough in the original pics ..!
Lisa Tetlow 4 years ago
Get thee to a dermatologist!! There is makeup that will hide that acne.
Alyssa Messier 3 years ago
who acres about acne that much. it's not dirty to have it
Load More Replies... #18
RMA 4 years ago
She doesn’t. She’s making a point about not necessarily believing what you see.
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#19
snipergun 4 years ago
Yes but I don't get the amount of makeup still, if your face tone does not match your body it looks like Trump. I know she had pictures without makeup and problematic skin, maybe that's because of makeup. And this makeup doesn't compliment her (and I know nothing about it, but can see that...)
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Rachknits 4 years ago
I think that's one of the issues, everyone who edits their photos makes everyone look the same, individuality is lost
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#20
Jamie Lynn Hamlin-Hammoudeh 3 years ago
Everyone go back to the top and READ the article. You're all missing the point!
Laura Capshaw 4 years ago
STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!! You'll get skin cancer. Signed Voice of Experience
#21
Grace Note 4 years ago
We're all agreed that, a. This woman is lovely and Photoshop detracts from that by making her a Kardashian klone, b. Photoshop is mostly a crime against reality. But what is making my brain boggle here is those bikini bottoms. What? Why? Just why!
#22
Jennifer Brown 4 years ago
I was thinking the same thing...they are not flattering at all
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#23
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
Crossing your eyes isn't a joke. To people who have this condition it's not easy to deal with the rude comments. It's called strabismus and surgery is not always successful.
#24
Mel in Real Life 4 years ago
Actually this one isn't that bad. There isn't much difference besides hairstyle, make up and a different smile. You can tell it is the same person.
#25
Miss Cris 4 years ago
I think she has some filters in both pics, in this case.
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#26
Daiga Visocky 4 years ago
That’s what wrong choice of foundation tone gets you
Load More Replies... Philly Bob Squires 4 years ago (edited)
Considering I like a bit of meat on my girls, the right one is definitely hotter. She just needs to use less of the face paint. It doesn't match her body tone.
#27
Cesha Wells 4 years ago
With women like this for role models, who are saying to our young girls that this is what you have to look like to be accepted into society, it's no wonder that there are so many young girls and women who have little to no self-esteem. It is so difficult to be content with what God has given you when Society is telling you that if you don't look perfect, in other people's eyes, then you're not worth anything and whether that's the message that this particular girl in the photos is trying to project or not that's the message that a lot of young girls are getting when they look at pictures like this.
#28
Cesha Wells 4 years ago
The song going around in this girl's head? "I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world..."
Alyssa Messier 3 years ago
you did read the title right? shes exposing people who do this by showing how easy it is
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#29
#30
Arenite 4 years ago
So, she wants us to think she hangs out at home in a bathrobe and a full face of makeup?
Patricia MčCutcheon 1 year ago
To the people who said they never knew you could do this, where have you been? This is why we'll never know what the Kardashians really look like.
Here's how people on TikTok reacted to the series
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What do you think ?
ToGo 4 years ago
Looking at some of the comments, it seems a few people aren't getting this article. The girl is showing you what people do with these photo editors. The "before" pictures are the exact same picture as the "after". You can add hair, you can be closed mouth and the editing app gives you a smile, new teeth and all. Most "influencers" use these apps. It's genuinely scary.
Imogene Cargeaux 4 years ago
Also, most of everybody these days uses these apps. Not just influencers. My friend with 100 followers edits her photos so much that I literally didn't recognize her when I saw her at the mall a few months back. I was astonished to know she's 40lbs heavier, has acne everywhere and has a chipped front tooth (not that this is a sign of being ugly! She still beautiful!) When none of those thing were ever featured on her IG.... which she looked so pretty when I saw her IRL! She had just had a baby and I understand she wanted to edit that out but I for one would much rather see healthy, normal women than photoshopped sized nothing and perfect everything. It's just not realistic. Not cute either.
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Jessica Combrink 4 years ago
I feel like most comments did not READ the caption in the beginning. This person CREATED these fake and real to EDUCATE. Instead of shaming each edited picture, just marvel at how easy it is to edit pictures.... tyvm
Suzi Q 4 years ago
Oh I get it. But I've seen real comparisons like these. It just creates more unrealistic expectations which leads to eating disorders in girls. It's sad. Just be yourself!
Load More Replies... Martha Meyer 4 years ago
I'm starting to think these filters should not be legally available. It's like you are looking at an alternate reality but no one told you.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I had no idea that you could do this with apps, but then again, I don't do most social media platforms and I'm not interested in looking at pictures of strangers. I really appreciate her educating me on just how fake all of these pictures are.
ForgotMyPWSendHelp 4 years ago (edited)
I honestly didn't realize just how much a normal person could easily edit photos, so I learned something from this. I don't use Facebook, Instagram, or any other platforms. I can usually tell when a photo has some editing because it'll look a bit off or cartoonish, but I didn't know you could change whether or not a person was smiling or give them a full face of makeup!
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Vicky Z 4 years ago
Why are people shocked in the comments at the end of the post? Where have they been living the last decade and haven't heard about photoshop and filters?
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
Not everyone spends hours on social media every day.
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Jods 4 years ago
Had a new next door neighbour move in. The name rang a big bell and I was sure she was on Facebook. Looked her up and initially thought she’d lost a lot of weight. No, she’d heavily edited her profile photo to the usual high-cheeked pouty look. I’m sorry to say me and my mum had a really good laugh. Personally think it shouldn’t be allowed - if others can’t accept how you look, then sod ‘em all. Is it a good thing for those who don’t like their body to apply these filters?
Susan Trevaskis-Owen 4 years ago
How many of these articles have we already seen? How many times has this been "exposed?" If people don't know by now that it's all filters & photoshop, they never will.
Juno French 4 years ago
I'm pretty sure 99 percent of these pictures are just the Kardashians.
ToGo 4 years ago
Looking at some of the comments, it seems a few people aren't getting this article. The girl is showing you what people do with these photo editors. The "before" pictures are the exact same picture as the "after". You can add hair, you can be closed mouth and the editing app gives you a smile, new teeth and all. Most "influencers" use these apps. It's genuinely scary.
Imogene Cargeaux 4 years ago
Also, most of everybody these days uses these apps. Not just influencers. My friend with 100 followers edits her photos so much that I literally didn't recognize her when I saw her at the mall a few months back. I was astonished to know she's 40lbs heavier, has acne everywhere and has a chipped front tooth (not that this is a sign of being ugly! She still beautiful!) When none of those thing were ever featured on her IG.... which she looked so pretty when I saw her IRL! She had just had a baby and I understand she wanted to edit that out but I for one would much rather see healthy, normal women than photoshopped sized nothing and perfect everything. It's just not realistic. Not cute either.
Load More Replies... Jessica Combrink 4 years ago
I feel like most comments did not READ the caption in the beginning. This person CREATED these fake and real to EDUCATE. Instead of shaming each edited picture, just marvel at how easy it is to edit pictures.... tyvm
Suzi Q 4 years ago
Oh I get it. But I've seen real comparisons like these. It just creates more unrealistic expectations which leads to eating disorders in girls. It's sad. Just be yourself!
Load More Replies... Martha Meyer 4 years ago
I'm starting to think these filters should not be legally available. It's like you are looking at an alternate reality but no one told you.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I had no idea that you could do this with apps, but then again, I don't do most social media platforms and I'm not interested in looking at pictures of strangers. I really appreciate her educating me on just how fake all of these pictures are.
ForgotMyPWSendHelp 4 years ago (edited)
I honestly didn't realize just how much a normal person could easily edit photos, so I learned something from this. I don't use Facebook, Instagram, or any other platforms. I can usually tell when a photo has some editing because it'll look a bit off or cartoonish, but I didn't know you could change whether or not a person was smiling or give them a full face of makeup!
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
Why are people shocked in the comments at the end of the post? Where have they been living the last decade and haven't heard about photoshop and filters?
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
Not everyone spends hours on social media every day.
Load More Replies... Jods 4 years ago
Had a new next door neighbour move in. The name rang a big bell and I was sure she was on Facebook. Looked her up and initially thought she’d lost a lot of weight. No, she’d heavily edited her profile photo to the usual high-cheeked pouty look. I’m sorry to say me and my mum had a really good laugh. Personally think it shouldn’t be allowed - if others can’t accept how you look, then sod ‘em all. Is it a good thing for those who don’t like their body to apply these filters?
Susan Trevaskis-Owen 4 years ago
How many of these articles have we already seen? How many times has this been "exposed?" If people don't know by now that it's all filters & photoshop, they never will.
Juno French 4 years ago
I'm pretty sure 99 percent of these pictures are just the Kardashians.
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