Reddit Reveals 21 Of The Most Unbelievable And Stupidest Things People Actually Say

Every person has his or her own way of thinking. The brain might work differently, but people can have a similar understanding of things.

However, humans are imperfect; there are times when people make mistakes in terms of spelling, speaking, and even doing things on a daily basis. It is almost impossible for everyone to always be very intelligent and very logical.

This might be because a person is overloaded or tired, especially if one is distracted or not in the mood. When the body and brain are exhausted, people can even have the tendency to say and do some pretty foolish things.

Sometimes a person can lose track of important things or events. There are even instances when you want to say something, but you suddenly forget what it is because you were interrupted.

Sometimes it's just because you can't think of the right words, or maybe a word is on the tip of your tongue, but you still can't say it. There are also times when you have no idea what you are talking about and argue about things you have nothing to do with.

At the very least, it is only right to treat people with some degree of decency and give them the benefit of the doubt. But how would you react if you were talking to these people?

This is the kind of face you make when someone says something stupid.

This might be the reaction of people reading the comments, as a Reddit user named u/eljayok13 asked, "What’s the stupidest thing someone has said to you with confidence?" The post went viral with over 46.6K upvotes and 23.8K comments, and this story will include some of them.

NBC

#1 This is the equivalent of trying to know if there is no land on an island.

Reddit/LittleMsSparkles| Warner Bros. Pictures

#2 Hopefully this person understands that immunity does not work that way.

Reddit/littlepinkcupcake

Social psychology offers fascinating insights into why people often say things that seem unbelievable or ridiculous. A well-known phenomenon known as the 'Dunning-Kruger Effect' suggests that individuals with low ability at a task tend to overestimate their ability. This effect was highlighted in a study published in the journal Psychological Science by David Dunning and Justin Kruger, where participants who performed poorly on tests believed they had done well. This can lead to the phenomenon where people express opinions or make statements that lack grounding in reality, often without awareness of their ignorance.

Understanding this cognitive bias can remind us to approach conversations with an open mind, recognizing that confidence can sometimes be a poor indicator of competence. Improving metacognitive skills — the ability to evaluate one's own understanding — could lead to more informed discussions.

Finally, a critical component of understanding why people make absurd statements lies in the concept of cognitive biases. According to a comprehensive review in the Annual Review of Psychology, biases such as confirmation bias can lead individuals to selectively gather or interpret information in a way that affirms their pre-existing beliefs. This often results in statements that seem outlandish to others.

To minimize the impact of cognitive biases on communication, individuals can practice active listening and engage in self-reflection. Asking open-ended questions and being willing to reconsider one's views can lead to richer, more meaningful conversations.

#3 Maybe it is for the best that she decided not to use a sperm donor.

Reddit/TexJester| Youtube/T-Mobile

#4 Can someone explain to them how a "waterproof" thing works?

Reddit/deleted

#5 This person should Google first what the types of diabetes are.

Reddit/psychiatricpenguin

According to research published by the American Psychological Association, our cognitive load can significantly impact our decision-making abilities. When overwhelmed by stress or fatigue, individuals are more likely to make impulsive comments or errors in judgment. This can manifest in social media interactions or casual conversations, where fatigue and distraction hinder our capacity for rational thought.

To mitigate these effects, psychologists recommend practicing mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness can enhance one's awareness of their thoughts and feelings, leading to more thoughtful responses during conversations. Regular mindfulness practice, even for a few minutes a day, can improve cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.

#6 Guess it is time to introduce the world map.

Reddit/LiliJavakhishvili| Lifetime

#7 Okay, does that person own the name?

Reddit/BlaiseTEvans

#8 The cousin is literally a compass.

Reddit/the_one_true_bool

Developmental psychology provides insight into how our language skills and communication styles evolve over time. Research by Dr. Jean Berko Gleason at Boston University indicates that children's linguistic capabilities develop in stages, which can contribute to misunderstandings or simple errors in adulthood. For instance, the way children learn language can lead to unique idiosyncratic expressions or mispronunciations that may carry over into their adult speech patterns.

Understanding these developmental stages can foster patience when encountering unusual statements from others. Encouraging open dialogue can also help clarify misunderstandings and promote healthier communication practices across generations.

#9 Wow, who would actually believe that?

Reddit/Ochoytnik| The CW

#10 This was really awkward.

Reddit/edenmay163

#11 Is it impossible to look in the opposite direction?

Reddit/kira82

Social media has transformed the landscape of communication, often amplifying the absurd or irrational statements people make. Research from the University of Pennsylvania highlights how platforms like Reddit can create echo chambers, where users are exposed primarily to opinions that reinforce their own beliefs. This phenomenon can lead to a decreased ability to critically evaluate information, as individuals become more entrenched in their views.

To counteract this, it’s crucial to engage with diverse perspectives. Actively seeking out differing opinions can enhance critical thinking and foster a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. Setting aside time for reflective thinking and discussion can help mitigate the effects of echo chambers.

#12 This is what happens when you skip science class.

Reddit/ronadian| BBC one

#13 What calendar is that person using?

Reddit/Createdbjm

#14 Let us do the math.

Reddit/rrl

Cognitive dissonance theory, developed by Leon Festinger, explains why people sometimes say or do things that conflict with their beliefs or knowledge. For example, when faced with contradictory information, individuals might make absurd statements to maintain their self-image or worldview. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that the discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance often leads to irrational behavior as a means of reducing psychological tension.

To navigate these situations, fostering an environment of psychological safety can allow individuals to express doubts or reconsider their views without fear of judgment. This approach can lead to more constructive dialogue and help reduce the likelihood of absurd or irrational statements.

#15 Are you serious, Karen?

Reddit/indianayall| NBC

#16 Explaining was no use; the source was a hoax.

Reddit/shartnado3

#17 We don't know why you don't know, either.

Reddit/alias319| Disney

Humor and absurdity often go hand in hand, and understanding the psychology of humor can provide insights into why people make ridiculous comments. Research from Stanford University indicates that humor often arises from incongruity—when expectations are subverted in surprising ways. This can lead to laughter, but it also explains why seemingly silly statements can resonate in social contexts.

To enhance communication and foster connection, individuals can benefit from incorporating light-heartedness into their interactions. Sharing humorous anecdotes or playful banter can create a more relaxed atmosphere, encouraging open and honest conversations.

#18 Usually right is not 'always' right.

Reddit/MostlySpiders

#19 This is one of those moments when you just don't want to speak and just let silence take over.

Reddit/Vaganhope_UAE

#20 This is more torturous than the person's reference to waterboarding.

Reddit/freecain| Freeform

Behavioral psychology reveals that the way we communicate can be heavily influenced by our environment and social context. According to research in the Journal of Social Psychology, situational factors such as group dynamics and peer pressure can significantly alter how individuals express their thoughts and opinions. This is especially true in online platforms like Reddit, where anonymity can lead to disinhibited behaviors.

To combat this, individuals might benefit from setting personal communication goals. By consciously deciding to engage thoughtfully rather than reactively, one can improve the quality of their interactions, both online and offline.

#21 To be honest, the existence of electrons is more convincing than you.

Reddit/WhyLater

These statements might be funny at some point, but they show why it's important to think first before saying something. However, no one can blame these people if they have thought and believed those things for too long, yet nobody corrected them.

What a truly logical person can do is to inform them in a nice way. It's up to them to either learn and save themselves from ignorance or remain in it.

Psychological Analysis

When people say things that seem "unbelievable" or "stupid," it could be due to a variety of factors. Fatigue and stress can impact decision-making abilities, leading to impulsive comments. Cognitive biases, like the Dunning-Kruger Effect, might also play a part, causing people with low ability at a task to overestimate their competence. Lastly, the environment, including online spaces, can influence how we express ourselves. Understanding these factors can help us respond with more patience and empathy.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Recommendations

In understanding the quirks of human communication, it's essential to recognize that our cognitive biases, social influences, and emotional states profoundly shape our interactions. Research consistently shows that context matters—what may seem like an absurd statement often reflects deeper psychological mechanisms at play.

As individuals navigate their conversations, fostering environments that encourage open dialogue, critical thinking, and humor can enrich interpersonal relationships. By cultivating awareness of our biases and developing emotional intelligence, we can contribute to more thoughtful discussions, ultimately transforming the way we communicate.