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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.
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
#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!
"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
#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. 🙄
#6
Most People In The Comments Genuinely Believe It's "Just Makeup"
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
#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.
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
#11
Instagram vs. Reality TV. She Claims To Be 27
#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
Cindy Brick 2 months ago
The hand gives it away -- doesn't 'go' with a thin face like this, unless you've been stung by wasps.
"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
#14
The Power Of Makeup And Filters
#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?
#17
Instagram Picture vs. Interview Two Weeks Apart
#18
Media vs. Reality
#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)
#20
Instagram vs. Reality
#21
Her Instagram V.s. Whistleblower's Photo
#22
It Doesn’t Even Look Like The Same Person
#23
Seen On A Hairdresser/Mua Instagram. Poor Girl Because She’s Very Beautiful
#24
Selfie Filter Queen
#25
Instagram Versus Podcast
#26
OP Posted This To Show How Much Better She Looks After “Taking Care Of Herself”
#27
Instagram Picture vs. Livestream
#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...
#29
I Swear I Thought Based On Insta That This Woman Was A Femme Fatale
#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!
#31
Instagram vs. Reality. She Says She "Has A New Makeup Artist"
#32
Well, At Least One Of The Women Posted The Realistic Version
#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
#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.
#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.
#38
Instagram vs. Reality Of This Swedish Reality-TV Star
#39
“But It's Really Me, No Filter”
#40
Instagram vs. Reality
#41
Blogger From My Country On Instagram vs. In Reality Show
#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
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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". 😂
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.
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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