Watch These Wannabe Badasses Try Way Too Hard (And Totally Fail)

The internet lets everyone show off the version of themselves they want. You pick the pics, the captions, the stories - all designed to make you look amazing (or at least intimidating!).

Fancy term alert: psychologists call this “impression management,” which just means showing people what you want them to see.

Some people decide to act fearless and untouchable online. Studies show people can present themselves totally different on Instagram than in real life. So, what you see isn’t always the real deal.

When posting stuff, people often think about who might be watching - friends, strangers, crushes, or that one person they want to scare off. Sometimes, that audience only exists in their heads, but it still shapes what they post.

For some guys, looking tough is all about proving manliness. Things like being strong, independent, and never showing feelings get drilled in early. So yeah, that guy flexing might just be trying really hard to fit in.

It’s easy to compare online - one person has a fancy car, another’s at the gym, and then someone else is desperate to keep up. Studies say this can lead to people crafting super-polished, not-so-real versions of themselves.

Keeping up the tough guy act online is tiring. Research says being real online actually makes people happier, so maybe ditch the fake bravado and just chill?

Posts don’t always stay in the group they were meant for. That private joke or cool comment can hit totally different audiences and make you look way sillier than planned.

Not everyone online is faking it though. Some folks really are confident and dramatic in real life, so sometimes the cringe-worthy stuff might actually be true to who they are.

Social media is a big stage for showing off. But as you’ll see below, trying to look super cool online doesn’t always work out and usually ends up making us laugh. Enjoy!