50 Facepalm Moments To Make You Question The World More Than You Already Do (New Pics)

More than half of the world now usessocial media. That’s around 5 billion people posting whatever they want, whenever they want. While a lot of the content out there is entertaining, informative and interesting, there’s also some that might make you question why certain individuals don’t have their devices confiscated while they sit in the naughty corner. Frommisinformation, to sheer stupidity, to a lack of critical thinking, there’s no shortage of unsharp tools in the proverbial digital shed.Thankfully, there’s an online community that makes it their mission to shame those who refuse to think before they type, speak or act. TheFacepalmsubreddit has more than 8.2 million members, calling out people who have proven themselves to be fools without fear or favor. Bigotry is not tolerated, states the page, though facepalming at it is welcome. We’ve put together a list of the most cringey, awkward and downright dumb things shared on the page that shine a light on humanity’s beacon of stupidity.Bored Pandaalso reached out to William DiAntonio, founder and CEO ofReputation911for some advice on how to conduct oneself online and what to do if or when things fall apart.This post may includeaffiliate links.

Thankfully, there’s an online community that makes it their mission to shame those who refuse to think before they type, speak or act. TheFacepalmsubreddit has more than 8.2 million members, calling out people who have proven themselves to be fools without fear or favor. Bigotry is not tolerated, states the page, though facepalming at it is welcome. We’ve put together a list of the most cringey, awkward and downright dumb things shared on the page that shine a light on humanity’s beacon of stupidity.Bored Pandaalso reached out to William DiAntonio, founder and CEO ofReputation911for some advice on how to conduct oneself online and what to do if or when things fall apart.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Social media exchange highlighting facepalm moments, with comments on vaccinated women and vaccine effectiveness.

Australian flag and individual in suit; new bill limits billionaire election spending.

Tweet highlighting facepalm moment about vaccination benefits over time with baby graves comparison before 1950s and 60s.

In a world where we are bombarded with information left, right, and center, critical thinking is just that: critical. If we were to believe everything we read online, watch on tv, or hear in person, the consequences could be fatal.Monash Universitydefinescritical thinking as “a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret, evaluate, and make a judgment about what you read, hear, say, or write.” Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information, notes the university.When you lack the ability to think critically, and believe everything you read or hear, you run the risk of doing or posting some very stupid or questionable things online. And in turn, ripping yourreputationto shreds. What you put out there influences the way people perceive you.And while you can’t control everything others say, you can manage the content you publish, your responses to feedback, and address defamation to influence the public conversation,warnsonline reputation management firmReputation911.

Monash Universitydefinescritical thinking as “a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret, evaluate, and make a judgment about what you read, hear, say, or write.” Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information, notes the university.

When you lack the ability to think critically, and believe everything you read or hear, you run the risk of doing or posting some very stupid or questionable things online. And in turn, ripping yourreputationto shreds. What you put out there influences the way people perceive you.

And while you can’t control everything others say, you can manage the content you publish, your responses to feedback, and address defamation to influence the public conversation,warnsonline reputation management firmReputation911.

Tweet criticizing billionaires' decisions and impact, highlighting societal issues.

Man in orange jumpsuit surrounded by police, highlighting societal facepalm moment about the death penalty disparity in the U.S.

Tweet highlighting outsourcing and profit margins, reflecting facepalm moments in global inequality discussions.

Bored Panda reached out to the founder and CEO of Reputation911, William DiAntonio, to find out more about the importance of keeping your nose clean in the digital age.“Online reputation management (ORM) is the process of shaping how individuals or companies are perceived online. It involves monitoring digital presence, addressing negative content, and proactively building a strong, credible brand across search engines andsocial mediaplatforms,” DiAntonio tells us during our interview. “ORM combines SEO, crisis communication, content strategy, and privacy protection to ensure that online narratives reflect a person’s or company’s true reputation.”

Bored Panda reached out to the founder and CEO of Reputation911, William DiAntonio, to find out more about the importance of keeping your nose clean in the digital age.

“Online reputation management (ORM) is the process of shaping how individuals or companies are perceived online. It involves monitoring digital presence, addressing negative content, and proactively building a strong, credible brand across search engines andsocial mediaplatforms,” DiAntonio tells us during our interview. “ORM combines SEO, crisis communication, content strategy, and privacy protection to ensure that online narratives reflect a person’s or company’s true reputation.”

Text tweet highlighting a viewpoint on oligarchy and corruption in campaign finance by a notable public figure.

Tweets highlighting facepalm moments with comments on parenting advice and choices by a famous mother.

Two tweets about society accepting greed and collapse, highlighting a facepalm moment.

Reputation911 cautions thatsocial mediacan be a double-edged sword. Things can go either way, depending on what’s posted. As we’ve seen time and again, content can goviralin a flash on social media, and this isn’t always a good thing. Managing your content on social media is critical, warns the agency, and using socials strategically can help with your online image.“One of the biggest mistakes people make on social media is posting impulsively, without considering how their words or images may be perceived in different contexts. Avoid sharing controversial opinions in a way that invites backlash, disclosing too much personal information, or engaging in heated arguments that can escalate,” DiAntonio told Bored Panda.The expert adds that it’s important to remember that even deleted posts can bescreenshottedand resurface later. He says it’s always best to pause before posting and ask “Would I be comfortable seeing this on the front page of anewssite?”

“One of the biggest mistakes people make on social media is posting impulsively, without considering how their words or images may be perceived in different contexts. Avoid sharing controversial opinions in a way that invites backlash, disclosing too much personal information, or engaging in heated arguments that can escalate,” DiAntonio told Bored Panda.

The expert adds that it’s important to remember that even deleted posts can bescreenshottedand resurface later. He says it’s always best to pause before posting and ask “Would I be comfortable seeing this on the front page of anewssite?”

Tweet highlighting facepalm moments on inflation causes, contrasting worker raises and massive corporate bailouts.

Text exchange highlighting facepalm moments showing inappropriate workplace jokes.

Cartoon showing a conversation between a child and an adult with a briefcase, highlighting facepalm moments.

“A strong reputation builds trust, credibility, and opportunities, while a negative or misrepresented online presence can result in lost business, damaged relationships, and long-term professional setbacks.”

Tweet highlighting facepalm moment about social inequality and priorities in decision-making.

Tweet text with a facepalm moment comparing political actions in South Korea and America.

Tweet questioning voting choices, highlighting facepalm moments about cost-of-living, Social Security, and insurance issues.

Despite your best attempts, sometimes the things will still hit the fan. If this happens and you find your reputation rapidly heading for the drain, the experts advise that you do damage control as fast as possible. Here’s what Reputation911 suggests you do when things go south…First, do some research to figure out the extent of the damage so you know what you’re dealing with. “If a post leads to unexpected backlash, the first step is to assess whether removing it is the best course of action. Deleting a post doesn’t erase screenshots, but it can help de-escalate the situation,” says DiAntonio.“If the reaction is minor, it may be best to let it pass. However, if the post has gone viral, addressing it head-on, through an apology or clarification, may be necessary. The key is to avoid defensive responses that fuel further criticism. Seeking professional reputation management guidance can also help in cases where significant damage control is needed.”

First, do some research to figure out the extent of the damage so you know what you’re dealing with. “If a post leads to unexpected backlash, the first step is to assess whether removing it is the best course of action. Deleting a post doesn’t erase screenshots, but it can help de-escalate the situation,” says DiAntonio.

“If the reaction is minor, it may be best to let it pass. However, if the post has gone viral, addressing it head-on, through an apology or clarification, may be necessary. The key is to avoid defensive responses that fuel further criticism. Seeking professional reputation management guidance can also help in cases where significant damage control is needed.”

Social media post highlighting lack of shortages but excess of billionaires influencing politics; a facepalm moment.

People in a store wearing masks, highlighted for facepalm moments online, showing various reactions.

Skyler Johnson highlights facepalm moments, commenting on a tweet misnaming Justin Trudeau’s title.

The agency advises that if you are at fault for the situation, you need to make amends. This means issuing a statement apologizing for any wrongdoings that have affected customers, stakeholders, and others.But the experts say simply issuing an apology is not enough. You need to create a long-term recovery plan. If you just say that you will do better, people won’t trust you. Instead, you have to show them that you are doing better, warns Reputation911.The company says the next step is to proactively communicate any changes you have made to address the issues with your audience. And then to make it a priority to follow through on any commitments you have made. Consistency helps to rebuild trust with your audience, adds the team. But be patient because the recovery process doesn’t happen overnight, and can often take a long time.

But the experts say simply issuing an apology is not enough. You need to create a long-term recovery plan. If you just say that you will do better, people won’t trust you. Instead, you have to show them that you are doing better, warns Reputation911.

The company says the next step is to proactively communicate any changes you have made to address the issues with your audience. And then to make it a priority to follow through on any commitments you have made. Consistency helps to rebuild trust with your audience, adds the team. But be patient because the recovery process doesn’t happen overnight, and can often take a long time.

Tweet about Monsters Inc CEO accountability, featuring a character in a red vest and bow tie, highlighting facepalm moments.

Tweet listing billionaires, highlighting facepalm moments, with a sarcastic remark about their focus on the cost of eggs.

Stick figures depicting conflicting advice to Ukraine and Russia, highlighting facepalm moments in political discourse.

We asked DiAntonio what someone should do if they notice negative posts or content about themselves online. “The best approach depends on the nature of the content,” replied the expert. “If it’s defamatory or violates platform guidelines, it may be possible to have it removed. If removal isn’t an option, investing in suppression strategies, such as publishing positive content to push negative results down in search rankings, can help.”

Tweet expressing disbelief over political promises related to grocery prices, highlighting facepalm moments.

A tweet about billionaires and exploitation, highlighting societal facepalm moments.

Tweet by Alex Cole highlighting a facepalm moment with United Healthcare’s $20 billion controversy in 2022.

DiAntonio says sometimes it pays to seek professional help. “Legal options may also be available in cases of harassment or false claims,” he told us. “Most importantly, staying calm and responding strategically, rather than reacting emotionally, is crucial to minimizing long-term reputational damage.“And, of course, remember: prevention is always better than cure!

And, of course, remember: prevention is always better than cure!

Investigators at a crime scene with caution tape, highlighting facepalm moments in society.

Tweet highlighting contradictory quotes about investigating private citizens, showcasing a facepalm moment.

Tweet criticizing corporate influence and anti-activism efforts, highlighting facepalm moments in the world.

Tweet discussing government shutdown, blaming Elon Musk, highlighting concerns about oligarchy and the influence of billionaires.

Social media post highlights facepalm media moments, showing news priorities and coverage issues.

Tweet expressing disbelief about RFK Jr.’s lawyer petitioning against polio vaccine approval; highlights facepalm moments.

Text post highlighting a moment that comments on social issues and corporate greed.

Tweet about expensive healthcare costs and coverage issues, highlighting a messed up aspect of the world.

Text post humorously noting people have access to all knowledge but still get things wrong; a facepalm moment.

Ambulance incident shows cyclist billed $1,800 after emergency transport, highlighting issues in the healthcare system.