It’s often said that two things are infinite: the universe andhuman stupidity. While the first is still up for debate, the internet seems to prove the latter every day. Because frankly, the ridiculous and offensive opinions people express online sometimes make you wonder if common sense is even real.Fortunately, there’s a place where these moments get the attention they deserve:r/facepalm. This subreddit calls out all sorts of cringe-worthy blunders, and we’ve pulled together some of their most outrageous posts. Check them out below!This post may includeaffiliate links.
It’s often said that two things are infinite: the universe andhuman stupidity. While the first is still up for debate, the internet seems to prove the latter every day. Because frankly, the ridiculous and offensive opinions people express online sometimes make you wonder if common sense is even real.
Fortunately, there’s a place where these moments get the attention they deserve:r/facepalm. This subreddit calls out all sorts of cringe-worthy blunders, and we’ve pulled together some of their most outrageous posts. Check them out below!
This post may includeaffiliate links.
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Of course, none of us are immune to slipping up and saying something questionable online. However, there’s a difference between a simple mistake and a pattern of constant stupidity or rudeness. It often seems like people let their thoughts run wild on the internet, behaving differently than they would in real life.
Internet psychologist Graham Jones suggests that, in some ways, our online behavior mirrors what happens in face-to-face interactions. “Having said that, there is a feature of the online world that makes such negative behaviour more likely than in the real world,” heexplains. “In the real world people subconsciously monitor the behaviour of others around them and adapt their own behaviour accordingly… Online we do not have such feedback mechanisms.”
These feedback mechanisms includebody language, facial expressions, and other clear signals that reveal how people respond to what we’re saying. For example, if we make a hurtful comment towards someone, we might notice their visible discomfort, or if we do somethingembarrassing, others might laugh. These cues guide our behavior and help us follow social norms. However, in digital interactions, these immediate responses are missing, leaving us without the usual prompts to adjust our behavior.
Moreover, on the internet, we can easily go incognito or share only limited information about ourselves, which can make it feel like our actions and words have no real-world consequences. We can choose usernames instead of our real names, avoid sharing personal photos, or even hide ourIP addresses. Suler refers to this as ‘dissociative anonymity.’ It creates a sense of detachment, making us feel less accountable for what we say, and some might even convince themselves that their online personas “aren’t me at all.”
Many of our online interactions also don’t happen in real time. When we post something, send a private message, or leave a comment, it can take minutes, hours, or even days before we hear back from anyone.“In real life, the analogy might be speaking to someone, magically suspending time before that person can reply, and then returning to the conversation when one is willing and able to hear the response,” writes Suler.The delay in feedback means we often don’t connect emotionally with the situation, allowing us to “run away” from the moment and retreat to our safe space where nothing feels wrong.
Many of our online interactions also don’t happen in real time. When we post something, send a private message, or leave a comment, it can take minutes, hours, or even days before we hear back from anyone.
“In real life, the analogy might be speaking to someone, magically suspending time before that person can reply, and then returning to the conversation when one is willing and able to hear the response,” writes Suler.
The delay in feedback means we often don’t connect emotionally with the situation, allowing us to “run away” from the moment and retreat to our safe space where nothing feels wrong.
In some cases, the internet can create a false sense of closeness with people we interact with, leading us to reveal things we wouldn’t normally share with just anyone in real life.
“Often, people will consider their online ‘friends’ and connections much closer to them than they really are,”explainsL. Gordon Brewer, a therapist who specializes in working with individuals and couples. “This results in lowered boundaries, which makes people feel more comfortable venting and discussing controversial topics, and more likely to share intimate details that are traditionally reserved for their inner circle.”
On the other hand, being less guarded on the internet can sometimes lead to surprisingly positive outcomes. People may find themselves being kinder, more compassionate, and more willing to open up about their struggles and thoughts. For example, aBritish studyfound that teenagers felt comfortable discussing their mental health issues in online forums where they could remain anonymous. This freedom made it easier for them to get support and connect with others who provided helpful advice.
So if you ever feel tempted to post something mean or inappropriate online, consider if there might be something else troubling you. Likewise, if you come across a comment that really gets under your skin, keep in mind that the person behind it might be dealing with their own struggles. And when in doubt, remember that you always have the option to block or mute—sometimes, it’s the best way to maintain your own peace of mind.
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