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49 People Who Were So Out Of Touch With Reality, They Really Thought Someone Would Fall For Their Fake Photos (New Pics)
Social media can seem like one massive magic show... Except, instead of rabbits coming out of hats, it's waists that have been snatched, cheekbones rising from nowhere, or frown-lines vanishing without the use of Botox or a painful facelift.
With just enough Photoshop, Facetune, and a filter (or five), people have been morphing from ordinary humans into glowing, flawless creatures who look like they've just stepped out of a video game. Whether it's living and breathing Barbies or lips that look like they've just lost a fight with a bee, social media is filled with photos that might have had us fooled had reality not reared its less-than-perfect head.
Bored Panda has compiled a list of the most hilarious and embarrassing times people tried too hard to catfish the internet, and got caught in the act. Many of these social media vs reality fails prove that while filters might blur the truth, they can't erase the sheer audacity (and comedy) that comes with fooling no one.
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#1
I've Been Waiting For Sunday, It's Time For More Honesty Online
Norwegian🇳🇴panda 2 months ago
First one on the list so far that actually looks like the same person.
Sven Horlemann 2 months ago
I have no problem with him having portraits like the one on the left. Definitely the same guy.
Jaya 2 months ago (edited)
He does not belong in this list at all. It does look like him, he just makes himself look extra pretty in his photos by posing, makeup, lighting and so on. All standard techniques that have been used since forever. Those things are used on every model in a magazine or ad photo ever. Nothing wrong with that.
Justin Rogers 2 months ago
When lotr first came out people leaving the theater were commenting on my elven looks
We might laugh at some of the audacious, over-edited images in this compilation. But the over-use of editing tools and apps is quite a serious matter...
85% of girls have applied filters or used an app to change the way they look in their photos - before they even turned 13. And 67% of girls have tried to change, or hide, at least one body part before posting a photo of themselves to social media.
That's according to the Dove Self-Esteem Project, which aims to promote confidence and body positivity among young girls.
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#2
The Reflection Says Her Hips *Do* Lie
Heffalump 2 months ago
Look at the bend in the mast between her and the post with the 'J' on it.
Kate Johnson 1 month ago
The real image shows a young lady with an enviable figure. Why?! Be yourself, people will find out!
#3
Must Be Her Sister In The Car
Multa Nocte (she/tiger quoll) 2 months ago
Hey! There is someone in the car who looks sort of like her!
Justin Rogers 2 months ago
It's a shame she feels like she needs filters (or anyone) she's cute .rear view in the side view mirror
"Although certain aspects of social media can promote connection and well-being, in recent years dozens of scientific studies have shown that social media can negatively influence body confidence, mood, and self-esteem,” warns body image expert, Professor Phillippa Diedrichs, who is a Research Psychologist at the Centre of Appearance Research at the University of West England.
Diedrichs explains that this happens when users spend significant amounts of time posting selfies, using editing apps and filters to alter their appearance, comparing themselves to others, and seeking validation through comments and likes.
"It’s therefore imperative that we help young people to develop skills to navigate social media in a healthy and productive way,” the expert said.
#4
Can’t Take The Filters Outside
PeepPeep the duck 2 months ago (edited)
I hate this, she is naturally gorgeous, but that badly bleached hair is disgusting(the tone and shade etc). She needs her natural dark tones to bring out her beauty
Roshan Kassan 2 months ago
The jaw looks dislocated on the left. Colour is off and - just plastic
#5
This Person Is Running For Mayor Where I Live. Yikes
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
Another pointless bit of fakery. If you want someone running things, surely you want someone who's got a bit of experience? Who looks like an actual human being, too? In the real photo, she looks like a nice person with a decent sense of humour, too. Oh well. 🙄
Yrral Spavit 2 months ago (edited)
You at least want someone who does not lie to you or live in a fantasy world
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#6
Most People In The Comments Genuinely Believe It's "Just Makeup"
chi-wei shen 2 months ago
This make-up would have to be so thick it would qualify as a plaster cast.
The age of Facetuning has brought us something known as Snapchat dysmorphia. If you've never heard of it, it's a medical phenomenon whereby social media filters have led to a rising number of women going to plastic surgeons asking to look like the filtered versions of themselves.
“Previously, patients would come into clinics with pictures of celebrities or models they admired and wanted to look like,” explains Dr Esho, cosmetic doctor at The Esho Clinic. “But with the introduction of social platforms and filters over the last five years, more and more patients come into clinics with filtered versions of themselves as the goal they want to achieve."
#7
I’m Sensing A Filter
Melissa Hollowell 2 months ago
I have a naturally strong chin. I don't like it. I look like I am sticking out my lower jaw. Why would anyone do that to themselves and also push it beyond reality?
#8
His Instagram vs. TV Screenshot
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
I'm no expert, but surely he's not a bad looking lad in the TV screenshot? Why fake yourself up?
#9
Instagram vs. Reality TV
Hippopotamuses 2 months ago
You can only take this so far. If someone sees you in real life, the illusion is over. Why bother with this cultivating this image.
Nicole Weymann 2 months ago
If she wanted to be able to shop incognito and still live in peace/obscurity I might consider it a good idea. IF.
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Nicole Weymann 2 months ago
I hate them, too, but at this point I'm glad for their owners that they aren't real.
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Andy Hinds 1 week ago
None of these girls look attractive in filtered photos because this look has become so generic in this part of the 21st century. I hark back to the 90s and previous decades where women wore makeup in a way that augmented their natural beauty but now, women and girls these days all want to look like someone else and it's tedious.
A British photographer called Rankin once explored the harmful effects of retouching apps in his photo series titled “Selfie Harm.”
Rankin photographed a group of teenagers and then asked them to edit their own portrait until it was “social media ready.” What he discovered was that many of the participants seemed to magnify their eyes and overplump their lips.
“It’s so simple, almost like creating a cartoon character of yourself,” Rankin said. “These filters are something very new and, in my opinion, a lot more dangerous. What’s even scarier is that there’s little or no debate happening around this. Something like Photoshop, which is a much more complex and inaccessible program, is actually part of a huge social ethical discussion.”
#10
Pisses Me Off To See Edits Like These Because Clients Then Expect Makeup To Work Like Plastic Surgery That Will Remove Wrinkles
Saltypepper 1 month ago
I know ,it's the same thing with all those weight loss before and after pics you cal clearly tell it's not the same person or the got surgery.m
Nicole Weymann 2 months ago
What's it with that mouth sticker in the top right pic? She looks like she must have a plug somewhere on her body 😂
#11
Instagram vs. Reality TV. She Claims To Be 27
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
First photo: icky plastic doll; pass the bucket. Second photo: oh yes please! What is it with people these days? 🤷
Multa Nocte (she/tiger quoll) 2 months ago
I know! I wouldn't much want to talk to the person on the left, but the person on the right looks like she'd be interesting to talk to.
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Jeffrey Kusch 1 month ago
I think the numbers are different in her language...also, the war has not been easy on anyone...
#12
What She Posted vs. What The Makeup Artist Posted
Hippopotamuses 2 months ago
How can anyone perceive the first photo as being real? The 'doctored' image looks as though it has been cut out by six year old as part of an art project.
Mreoww 2 months ago
If these people go missing one day and these edited photos are put up, they will never be found again.
royal crablets 2 months ago
Her edited chin is looking in a different direction from the rest of her face.
Michele Garrard 2 months ago
Her filter choices let everyone know she's insecure about the size and shape of her nose, yet touts herself as a Queen
"What’s interesting is that the individuals didn’t necessarily like or prefer the edited versions of themselves, but simply felt the retouched image would garner more likes on their social media platforms," notes Fashionroundtable.co.uk.
During the project, none of the girls left their photos unedited. But the majority said they preferred the untouched images.
#13
TikTok vs. Fan Photo
FoxThatHasFennecaphobia 2 months ago
The filters that make your waist slimmer just make you look like an hourglass.
#14
The Power Of Makeup And Filters
Zena 2 months ago
Probably also true, based on her lips in the "real" picture.
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#15
A German Reality TV Star On Instagram vs. On TV
“Today’s generation can’t escape ‘the Truman effect’ because from birth they are born into an age of social platforms where their feelings of self-worth can be based purely on the number of likes and followers that they have, which is linked to how good they look or how great these images are," warns cosmetic surgeon Dr. Esho.
“It’s time to acknowledge the damaging effects that social media has on people’s self-image,” adds Rankin on Instagram. “It’s just another reason why we are living in a world of FOMO, sadness, increased anxiety, and Snapchat dysmorphia.”
#16
Running For Local Office
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago (edited)
Dear lord... I mean, it's not like she doesn't look good in real life - as well as looking like someone who's lived a life and maybe understands something about it? Why put that fake picture up?
Nicole Roome 2 months ago
They did a study years ago, into what led people to find some politicians trust worthy over others. They found that a big part of it was the lines of someones face, particularly smile lines over furrow lines etc. So a filter would undoubtedly lead to a lack of trust and would imply that had reason to hide their real self.
Load More Replies... Rosecrucian Roeth 2 months ago
Typical of people who want to be in politics.......................always lying and stretching the truth not to mention their skin!
Philly Bob 2 months ago (edited)
Being an older bloke myself, I think she's rather hot IRL! I love her hair!
#17
Instagram Picture vs. Interview Two Weeks Apart
#18
Media vs. Reality
J J Jettflow 2 months ago
People who engage in this behavior often struggle with low self-esteem and do not see themselves as attractive. Much of this stems from the unrealistic standards that society imposes on women. The film, fashion, makeup, and advertising industries frequently portray women as flawless and perpetually beautiful, establishing and reinforcing ideals that are unattainable for most.
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Lene Leth Winterberg 1 month ago
Åååårrrhhh just be you, baby. She looks so sparket and youthful on the right😍 On the left she just look like all the rest 🤷🏼♀️
#19
Instagram vs. Reality
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
"Reality"? Those lashes? 🤣 (yeah, okay, I know - still... In any case, the human version looks oh so much better than the alien/plastic doll photo)
Philly Bob 2 months ago
Get rid of the windshield wiper lashes and she's actually cute as hell!
#20
Instagram vs. Reality
Michele Garrard 2 months ago
Even the "reality" pic is photoshopped. Look at he funky looking hand
Jane Doe-Doe 1 month ago
Absolutely ridiculous, just say she went missing and they showed the instagram photo, she would never be found!!
#21
Her Instagram V.s. Whistleblower's Photo
Jasmin Lapan 2 months ago
Many are complaining abot fat-shaming. Then why would some make themselves fat , then filter their picture significantly thinner, even these people are shameful of being fat. The fat-shamed their selves.
Savannah greenleaf 2 months ago
I like how her face is only blocked in the unedited version. I think I can safely assume it is so heavily edited it could not be used to identify her.
Sam Trudeau 2 months ago
If you aren't familiar, I've studied via NPR, a whistleblower is basically someone who calls out a US official for backing down on promises. In the case of the filtered photo, it presumably looks different enough to be unrecognizable to the public if seen IRL. However, the real photo of her face can't be shown for security reasons, and neither can the license plate
Load More Replies... #22
It Doesn’t Even Look Like The Same Person
Zena 2 months ago
So: tons of makeup and fillers (and maybe plastic surgery), and STILL you need to use all the photoshopping and filters?
Savannah greenleaf 2 months ago
Looks like she went too far with cosmetic procedures and has to edit them to look more human.
#23
Seen On A Hairdresser/Mua Instagram. Poor Girl Because She’s Very Beautiful
#24
Selfie Filter Queen
#25
Instagram Versus Podcast
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
Mmm. In this case, looking at her face in the podcast version, I suspect the instagram shot is her just messing about and playing games for the sake of it. She looks quite fun.
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
James Twong: in the first shot, how come she's not fallen over - I see no rucksack. In the second shot, it's her face that distracted me. (What? You want to know about the rucksack? Ivor Cutler will explain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNHGd5EcPQk)
Load More Replies... #26
OP Posted This To Show How Much Better She Looks After “Taking Care Of Herself”
#27
Instagram Picture vs. Livestream
Hippopotamuses 2 months ago
The first photo just looks a bit feline. That's the only difference which I can see.
#28
The Caption Is Ironic
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
I really should stop this - never mind, eh? *OF COURSE* she looks better in the photo without the makeup and nonsense...
Jihana 2 months ago
I don't know why, but her real picture is actually scary, like there is no soul behind those eyes.
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
Jihana: the real photo isn't a great shot. She's looking to the side, it looks like it's possibly a selfie, perhaps slightly distracted by something out of shot, all a bit wonky. Real humans look like that quite a lot of the time.
Load More Replies... #29
I Swear I Thought Based On Insta That This Woman Was A Femme Fatale
Saltypepper 1 month ago
Why are ppl so scared to be who they are why do they have to fake their looks ppl who know them know what they really look like and if people meet them they gonna know gonna know they fake.
Savannah greenleaf 2 months ago
She is a super cute girl, and she looks like she would be fun to hang out with.
#30
Mom Of A Model Desperate To Out-Do Her Daughter
Mel in Georgia 2 months ago
She looks fine in real lighting. I don't really like what I see in the mirror in my 60s, but when my DiL says, "You look so cute!" when I make an effort to dress well and put a bit of makeup on I think, if she says I'm cute, believe it!
Jnk 2 months ago
I'm happy for you that you have such a sweet relationship with someone close to you. If she sees it and you feel it, then I'm sure you do look cute! When you feel good about yourself, it can really shine through moreso than any measure taken to cover up insecurity. But that freling can be so hard to achieve! People these days have so many means of overcompensating: extreme makeup, filters, injections, even full on surgery is within reach for more people than ever. But who are they trying to look good for? You have someone you care about and vice versa, and I'm sure her words are genuine and therefore so much more meaningful than shallow strangers who think these edits here are the better version. The people who go through all of those steps, you know, if it makes them happy, I can be happy for them even if I don't think it was necessary or improved their looks. To each their own, right? :) But I think what you have is healthier and will probably stay with you forever :)
Load More Replies... #31
Instagram vs. Reality. She Says She "Has A New Makeup Artist"
Saltypepper 1 month ago
That can magically change the shape of her face and the lips being bigger..it don't even look like her ...
#32
Well, At Least One Of The Women Posted The Realistic Version
Zena 2 months ago
Agree. They both still look like the same people as in the original.
Load More Replies... Savannah greenleaf 2 months ago
I don't see how this was is bad. It looks like they were just fixing subpar lighting for the most part. No real harm in that.
Saltypepper 1 month ago
This one's not to bad it's really just changing the lighting which is not to bad
#33
Instagram vs. Dating Show
GalPalAl 2 months ago
I keep trying to figure out why they are posting photos like this. For what purpose? Just like when people post pics of fake wealth on social media. Who do you think you are trying to impress? We complain about fake news and not being able to trust people and you are just adding to this phoniness
Kate Johnson 1 month ago
And what do they say when they have to go outside where other people will notice them and the difference? This is so sad.
Load More Replies... #34
Instagram vs. Reality
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
I'm not sure I can spot which one's supposed to be real in this case... On the left, unnatural shapes. On the right, unnatural shapes.
PeepPeep the duck 2 months ago (edited)
My ex bff who is addicted to cosmetic surgery looks like the right, but she ideally for some reason thinks she looks like left one and won’t acknowledge her gorgeous curves. This reminds me of her, severe body dysmorphia and low self esteem
Load More Replies... #35
Insta vs. Reality. Well, I Always Imagined Her To Be As Beautiful As She Is On Instagram
#36
Instagram vs. Reality
Hippopotamuses 2 months ago (edited)
I'm afraid that this looks like one of the before and after m**h photos.
#37
This Is Wild
BossyCloud 1 month ago
What's up with the glasses though? Do her eyebrows need the prescription in order to see too?
#38
Instagram vs. Reality Of This Swedish Reality-TV Star
Zena 2 months ago
I do not understand these "reality-TV stars;" they do know that people watching them on TV are seeing what they really look like (I mean, "really" compared to the filtered, photoshopped still images they post), don't they?
Saltypepper 1 month ago
They usually are not to smart,they really believe they can fool people.
Load More Replies... #39
“But It's Really Me, No Filter”
#40
Instagram vs. Reality
Savannah greenleaf 2 months ago
She has so much natural beauty. I just don't get this one at all. It's not super heavily edited but is still noticable. Why not showcase that aspect instead of looking plastic like for minimal changes.
#41
Blogger From My Country On Instagram vs. In Reality Show
Kate Johnson 1 month ago
Those eyebrows look like the ones people had tattooed on a few years back.
#42
Her Instagram vs. Her Tagged Photos :o
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago
At a guess, this is a young woman who's been sold an idea of good looks that requires your face to look more "Western" than the actual gorgeous looks she was lucky enough to have been born with.
#43
Instagram Selfie With Skin Texturizing vs. Candid Video In Someone Else’s Story. Photo Is From Two Months Ago, Video Is From Last Week
#44
Instagram vs. Screenshots Of Recent Interview
#47
Instagram vs. Reality
Forrest Hobbs 2 months ago (edited)
😂 Looking at the shoulders she's got, I'd certainly not say anything uncomplimentary to her in real life. 🤣 (I'm impressed, seriously)
#48
This Famous Influencer
#49
Instagram vs. Reality
Zena 2 months ago
Even the filters can't get rid of the duck face from the bad lip injections.
Kate Johnson 1 month ago
But to them, those are good lip injections. They all look flabby AND flappy to me. Ick.
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What do you think ?
Mel in Georgia 2 months ago
I hate seeing pictures of myself because in my mind I'm younger than I am and it's like, "Who's that old person??" But I am older, and who am I trying to fool? Not gonna use filters to be who I'm not. I feel sorry for these people who think it's so important.
Mike F 2 months ago
I took a picture of myself and Sadie (the pooch) when she climbed up and laid on the pillow next to me. When I looked at the the pic later it looked like she was snuggled up with a "lifeless body". 😂
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WalterWhiteSavannah 2 months ago
My question anytime I see these is just why? Like you kmow what you look like everyone who sees you irl or in tagged pics knows. What's the point? I saw a co worker on Facebook and irl she's 50 something and not to be mean but very rough looking, on fb she looks loke a 19 year old with flawless skin and a totally different face shape. Weird.
Rachel Reynolds 2 months ago
So, like...I exist outside of the internet and I want my irl friends to recognize me. (please ignore the fact that I turned myself into a Twi'lik in my profile pic.) Also, my friends are a******s who would totally call me out if I posted something like that.
Nova Rook 2 months ago
People want to feel good about themselves so this feels very, very human and maybe we should show a little empathy rather than exposing them. Imagine you did a little something to make ourself look good and then found out someone had paired your pictures so the world can laugh at you. This doesn't feel good.
Wolfgang Bonow 2 months ago
Honestly, I laugh at the people who do use filters or Photoshop to look like plastic. I also laugh about people who follow these people. No grown-up should take this level of faking, not even teenagers should be that dumb. These are a complete different level to the tinkered pictures in glamour magazines and should be exposed as much as possible.
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Joe Publique 2 months ago
Is it just me, or does this feel somewhat exploitative? Some of these people are clearly ill...
Nova Rook 2 months ago
What's wrong with mocking private citizens for trying to make themselves feel good? It's far more important to make ourselves feel good and if shaming people, mostly women, makes us feel good then we should all do that. Bullying others makes us feel good and BP encourages this.
Load More Replies... Mel in Georgia 2 months ago
I hate seeing pictures of myself because in my mind I'm younger than I am and it's like, "Who's that old person??" But I am older, and who am I trying to fool? Not gonna use filters to be who I'm not. I feel sorry for these people who think it's so important.
Mike F 2 months ago
I took a picture of myself and Sadie (the pooch) when she climbed up and laid on the pillow next to me. When I looked at the the pic later it looked like she was snuggled up with a "lifeless body". 😂
Load More Replies... WalterWhiteSavannah 2 months ago
My question anytime I see these is just why? Like you kmow what you look like everyone who sees you irl or in tagged pics knows. What's the point? I saw a co worker on Facebook and irl she's 50 something and not to be mean but very rough looking, on fb she looks loke a 19 year old with flawless skin and a totally different face shape. Weird.
Rachel Reynolds 2 months ago
So, like...I exist outside of the internet and I want my irl friends to recognize me. (please ignore the fact that I turned myself into a Twi'lik in my profile pic.) Also, my friends are a******s who would totally call me out if I posted something like that.
Nova Rook 2 months ago
People want to feel good about themselves so this feels very, very human and maybe we should show a little empathy rather than exposing them. Imagine you did a little something to make ourself look good and then found out someone had paired your pictures so the world can laugh at you. This doesn't feel good.
Wolfgang Bonow 2 months ago
Honestly, I laugh at the people who do use filters or Photoshop to look like plastic. I also laugh about people who follow these people. No grown-up should take this level of faking, not even teenagers should be that dumb. These are a complete different level to the tinkered pictures in glamour magazines and should be exposed as much as possible.
Load More Replies... Joe Publique 2 months ago
Is it just me, or does this feel somewhat exploitative? Some of these people are clearly ill...
Nova Rook 2 months ago
What's wrong with mocking private citizens for trying to make themselves feel good? It's far more important to make ourselves feel good and if shaming people, mostly women, makes us feel good then we should all do that. Bullying others makes us feel good and BP encourages this.
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