40 Times Those Instagram Photoshop Maniacs Were Busted

Social networks gave us the ability to reach people we’ve never met, and some of us became quite good at it. Yes, we are talking about notorious influencers.

And even though some of them actually have something interesting or meaningful to show, most of them are pretty shallow and rely on posting images of their beautiful selves. Of course, their online appearance is not even close to what they really look like.

Photoshop, heavy filtering, and all kinds of advanced (and not so advanced) tools are employed to present an image that’s completely unreal. Sadly, these influencers are followed by many kids and teens who are still not experienced enough to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

And, as a result, kids develop a warped image about what they should look like or act. r/Instagramreality is s a subreddit whose members strip down the glamor of make-up, flattering poses, and all kinds of photo editing and expose the truth behind the facade.

And, we have to tell you, it ain’t pretty…You wouldn’t want to meet any of these “beautiful” people in a dark alley.

Or anywhere else, for that matter. We have selected 40 of the “best” pics, and we know you are going to love them.

1. "Must Be Her Sister In The Car"

illegalmemesforsale

2. "This Is Funny And All But It’s Getting Out Of Hand"

stonemilking

3. "A Fairly Popular Local Influencer Recently Made An Appearance On TV. A Lot Of Her Fans Apparently Had Trouble Recognizing Her At First"

SwissMercyMain

The Illusion of Perfection

The phenomenon of heavily edited images on social media can lead to what psychologists term the 'beauty ideal,' which is tightly linked to body image dissatisfaction and mental health issues. According to a study published in the journal Body Image, exposure to idealized images can distort self-perception, making individuals feel inadequate in comparison. This constant bombardment of unrealistic standards can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression among users, particularly young women who are often the most affected.

Research shows that individuals who regularly engage with highly curated social media profiles tend to develop negative self-esteem and body image issues, as noted in a systematic review by the American Psychological Association. The cycle of comparing oneself to these digitally manipulated images creates a feedback loop of dissatisfaction that can be hard to break.

4. "A Man, For A Change. Not Sure If Satire Or For Real. Behold, The Wall-Bending Biceps And Butt"

jueoni

5. "Skipped Leg Day, Forever"

Douchecanoeistaken

6. "Found In The Wild On Instagram"

olivia-annabelle

Dr. Jennifer Golbeck, a researcher at the University of Maryland, highlights that the addictive nature of social media can exacerbate feelings of low self-worth. Her studies suggest that as individuals seek validation through likes and comments, they may inadvertently reinforce their reliance on external approval for self-esteem. Over time, this can create a dependency on social media validation, further entrenching issues of self-worth.

Understanding this dependency is crucial for those who find themselves caught in the vortex of social media comparison. Experts recommend setting boundaries, such as limiting social media use and curating one's feed to include more positive and authentic content.

8. "Be You!"

OptionsRMe

9. "In Reality, Birds Flap Their Wings When They Fly"

_waigwe

10. "Yes, The Giant Feet Syndrome, More And Coomon These Days"

Slow-Werewolf

The Role of Social Comparison

Social comparison theory, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger, posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. This is particularly relevant in the context of social media, where influencers often showcase curated versions of their lives. A study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that upward social comparison—comparing oneself to those perceived as better off—can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Moreover, the incessant nature of social media makes frequent comparisons almost automatic, further entrenching feelings of inferiority. To combat this, psychologists suggest practicing gratitude and focusing on personal achievements rather than engaging in detrimental comparisons with others.

11. "Unfortunately Did Not Pass Her Photoshop Class Though"

fannywaffles

12. "The Model Has Achieved This By Chewing On A Plastic-Looking Contraption"

metti-021

13. "This Guy Popped Up In My Feed As A Sponsored Story"

Lksarchitecs

A clinical psychologist noted that the psychological phenomenon of 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out) can be exacerbated by the constant exposure to idealized lives on social media. Research conducted by Dr. Andrew Przybylski at the University of Oxford indicates that individuals who experience high levels of FOMO tend to have lower life satisfaction and higher levels of anxiety.

This condition can lead individuals to engage in compulsive social media checking, further perpetuating feelings of inadequacy and isolation. To mitigate FOMO, experts recommend engaging in mindfulness practices that encourage living in the moment and appreciating one's own experiences, thereby reducing the impulse to compare one's life to the curated lives of others.

14. "We’ve Seen Tiny Heads…now Get Ready For Giant Feet!"

meep_meep_merp

19. "Photoshopped Herself Into Oblivion, Grandpa Can Stay Lookin Old Af"

ZeuslovesHer

20. "Reminds Me Of That Scene In Beetlejuice (Little Head)"

ZoIpidem

The Impact on Mental Health

Research consistently shows that excessive social media use is correlated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A meta-analysis published in the journal Psychological Bulletin concluded that individuals who spend more than two hours a day on social media are at a higher risk for mental health challenges. This correlation may stem from the toxic environment created by constant comparisons, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona.

Additionally, the fear of not being 'liked' or accepted can lead to significant psychological stress. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing these patterns and advocating for digital detoxes to reconnect with oneself away from the pressures of social media.

21. "What The Model Posted vs. Photographer"

clutchkickmurphys

22. "From Her Profile vs. Tagged"

Yayitselizabeth

23. "Arms So Big They Warp The Plane Seats?"

FreddieL2103

Dr. Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author, argues for the importance of 'digital minimalism' in combating the negative effects of social media. He suggests that individuals consciously evaluate their digital habits and strive to only engage with platforms that add value to their lives. Research supports this approach, showing that individuals who limit their social media use report improved mental health and well-being.

By applying a more intentional approach to social media, individuals can reclaim time and mental space for activities that promote genuine happiness and connection, such as face-to-face interactions and hobbies that foster creativity and fulfillment.

24. "This Cannot Be Real! Inhumanly Possible To Look Like This"

fenixdarkdirk

25. "One I Found In The Wild"

helibear90

26. "She Was On A Popular Reality Show. I'll Never Understand Why They Do This When We've All Seen What They Really Look Like!"

TheStayAtHomeAtheist

Authenticity vs. Curation

The struggle between authenticity and curation on social media can create internal conflict for many users. A study published in the journal New Media & Society emphasizes that individuals often feel pressured to present a curated version of themselves, leading to cognitive dissonance when their real lives do not match their online personas. This dissonance can create feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction.

To counteract these feelings, psychologists advocate for authenticity in online interactions. This means sharing not just the highlights, but also the challenges of everyday life. Engaging in genuine sharing can foster a sense of community and support that is often lacking in the curated environments of social media.

27. "4 Out Of 5 Dentists Approved"

dmtacos82

29. "Girl I Go To Uni With Always Edits Her Photos Like This.. The Second Pic Is How She Actually Looks"

BigBootyBianca

30. "Repeat Offender. This Girl Has No Shame"

ieattoomuchnutella

Research has identified a link between social media use and sleep disturbances, particularly among younger individuals. A study published in the journal Sleep Health found that those who use social media late at night are more likely to experience insomnia and decreased quality of sleep. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with melatonin production, leading to difficulties in falling and staying asleep.

To mitigate these effects, experts recommend establishing a 'digital curfew'—a time in the evening when individuals put away their devices to promote better sleep hygiene. Engaging in relaxing activities, such as reading or meditation, can also help transition the mind away from the constant stimulation of social media.

31. "I Was Startled By This While Scrolling"

tedleydoright

32. "Two Of Her Fingers Are Thicker Than Her Wrist, Wtf"

MelanieSenpai

33. "Her Gravitational Pull Is So Strong It Distorts Everything Around Her Waist"

samiam130

Coping Strategies

Given the overwhelming impact of social media on mental health, developing effective coping strategies is essential. Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that individuals who engage in active coping strategies, such as problem-solving and seeking social support, report lower levels of distress and higher well-being.

Some practical strategies include journaling to express feelings, participating in offline social activities, or even moderating the time spent on social media platforms. By consciously shifting focus to real-world interactions, individuals can build meaningful connections that counteract the negative effects of online comparison.

34. "Even The Poor Headless Mannequin Can't Live Up To Ig Standards"

_queefer_sutherland_

35. "Copy + Paste?"

eurogem

36. "And The Knees?"

Latraviata92

The Importance of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is a crucial psychological concept that can help individuals navigate the pressures of social media. Research by Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field, demonstrates that individuals who practice self-compassion are less likely to experience anxiety and depression, and more likely to maintain a positive self-image.

In the context of social media, practicing self-compassion can involve recognizing that everyone has imperfections and that online portrayals are often misleading. By cultivating a more forgiving and understanding attitude toward oneself, individuals can reduce the harmful effects of comparison and foster a healthier relationship with social media.

37. "When The Very Thing You Rely On Betrays You Lol"

Fvcknloner

39. "The Face!!! And This Was A Sponsored Post"

thehappilydepressed

40. "And She Would Have Gotten Away With It Too, If It Weren’t For Those Meddling Straps!"

reakkysadpwrson

And while influencers are not that hard to understand, we can’t say the same for “regular” people. Influencers do it for profit and show their heavily altered pics to people they will never meet in person.

But regular people share filtered pics with people they know. And those people know what they really look like…

Psychological Analysis

The article highlights a fascinating yet troubling trend in social media behavior, where individuals feel pressured to present an idealized version of themselves. This stems from a combination of social comparison theory and the addictive nature of seeking validation through likes and comments, which can lead to significant issues like anxiety and low self-esteem, especially among younger users. Ultimately, it’s crucial for people to cultivate self-compassion and set healthy boundaries around social media use to counteract these negative effects.

Analysis generated by AI

The impact of social media on psychological well-being is profound, with research consistently highlighting the detrimental effects of comparison, validation-seeking, and unrealistic portrayals of life. Studies show that understanding these dynamics is essential for individuals seeking to navigate their online experiences healthily. As psychological research indicates: 'Developing self-awareness and implementing coping strategies can transform the way individuals interact with social media, turning a potentially harmful experience into one that fosters genuine connections and self-acceptance.'

Ultimately, fostering an environment that prioritizes authenticity over curation can lead to improved mental health outcomes and a more fulfilling social media experience.