Have you ever received a really wild message that made you want to share it with your friends? Sometimes, showing it just to your group chat isn’t enough, and it feels right to share it with everyone else too. While this might embarrass the person who sent it, seeing these strange messages can seem to justify the need to spread them. An Instagram account dedicated to sharing bizarre screenshots features some of the most outrageous examples.
Many of these screenshots come from online dating apps, which can cause frustration but also lead to happy relationships. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of women using dating apps experienced someone continuing to message them after they expressed disinterest. Additionally, 57% reported receiving unsolicited explicit images or messages.
There’s also a reason why these crazy messages get shared: screens provide a sense of safety. Psychologist John Suler introduced the idea of the “online disinhibition effect.” This concept describes how being invisible or anonymous online can lead people to say things they wouldn’t say face-to-face. As a result, individuals often feel free to express themselves in extreme ways when behind a screen.
Another reason people share screenshots is tied to emotions and the desire to connect with friends. Research in computer-mediated communication suggests that sharing such screenshots can serve as a way to cope with feelings. When someone shares an outrageous message and wonders if it’s just them or if it’s truly crazy, their friends or even the wider internet can help provide a needed reality check.
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Source: Bored Panda, by Denis Krotovas