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50 Painful Pics Of People Proving They Shouldn’t Be Allowed Near A Soldering Iron
Funny,FailsOCT 14, 2025

50 Painful Pics Of People Proving They Shouldn’t Be Allowed Near A Soldering Iron

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Experts date the beginning of the tech boom to somewhere in the 1990s. We've been living with microchips, laptops, and routers for around 30 years, yet sometimes we don't abide by the simplest safety measures. Surprisingly, even 66% of Americans don't consider themselves tech-savvy. After you've scrolled through this list, you might understand why.
It might seem that most people should know not to microwave a laptop or to hang a bunch of wires from the ceiling, yet some don't. Bored Panda found the craziest examples of people mishandling all kinds of electronics, and we present the best of the worst to you here. It makes you wonder: how have humans made it this long?

#1 So Mac Doesnt Support Windows But Atleast It Supports Doors

iMac used as a makeshift doorstop, showing incorrect handling of electronics in a creative but damaging way.
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81points

#2 Apply Kirchhoff's Laws

Man wearing safety helmet tangled in a massive cluster of electrical wires, illustrating painful electronics handling mistakes
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62points

#3 This Coffee Grinder Fills Its Base, Motor, And Circuit Boards Up With Grounds

Coffee grounds spilled inside a broken electronic device showing improper handling of electronics and soldering issues.
Cygnus_X_2112:
"That's grounds to buy a new coffee grinder"
Watton:
"Whoever greenlit the design for this is gonna get roasted."
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62points

As humans, we're used to adapting to difficult circumstances. After all, it's what has helped us remain on this Earth for so long. What's more, we're the innovators who have invented electronics: the TV, the computer, the smartphone, and the microchip were all conceptualized and made by humans.

So, why do we sometimes feel so behind on the current tech trends? Naturally, age has something to do with it. Older people usually feel less comfortable using devices independently and are slower to adapt to new technologies. In fact, 26% of U.S. adults said during the pandemic that they usually needed someone else to show them how to use an electronic device.

#4 User Spilt Coffee On His Laptop, So He Put It In The Oven To Dry It Out

Damaged laptop keyboard with melted and warped keys illustrating painful electronics handling mistake.
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62points

#5 Errrr Guys, My Capacitor Scares Me, It Has Blinky Eyes

Creative electronics project made of capacitors, resistors, and LEDs arranged to resemble an insect with extended legs.
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50points

#6 Who Lost Their SD Card?

Micro SD card pinned to a corkboard with a note saying found on floor, illustrating electronics handled the wrong way.
49points

The pandemic exposed the lack of tech-savviness in younger people, too. 47% of parents "with lower tech readiness" said they had some difficulty helping their children with setting up online school instructions. People didn't like using technology for communication, either, as only 17% believed that it was as good as in-person conversations.

Younger and more financially well-off Americans tend to be more interested in technology. A recent YouGov survey showed that 26% of U.S. adults aged 55 and up are not very interested in tech, and 19% even find it hard to learn about new technologies. Similarly, 26% of lower-income Americans have little interest in tech, and 15% say it is hard to learn.

#7 People That Use PC Cables To Rest Their Feet

Person sitting at desk with tangled electronic cables and shoes on the floor, illustrating poor handling of electronics.
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49points

#8 8-Year-Old Cousin Stabbed My 300 Dollar All In One Computer When I Refused To Let Him Use It

Scissors stuck in a computer monitor screen, showing incorrect handling of electronics and repair tools.
Today my 8-year-old cousin was visiting my house. He was walking around the house when he noticed that I had a pc. He instantly started asking me if he could use it, and ofcourse i said no, he asked me again, and again and again until he finally just walked over and started trying to use it. I quickly unplugged my pc before he could modify anything. He started screaming and crying. My mom and his mom came over to see what was going on. I told my mom what he was doing, and she told me to let him use my computer because I should be "sharing" my stuff. My mom eventually told me that if I didnt share with him, she would take my computer away from me. I said "Fine ill let him use it". I plugged it back in and left the room. Not even a minute later he came out to ask me for my password. I told him that I wasnt going to give it to him. Then he stormed back into the room and picked up some scissors that I had out and started violently stabbing my computer screen until the scissors literally got stuck in the screen. His mom offered to give me money to get me a new computer but my mom told her that I didnt need it since I own multiple computers. Now ill need to save up for a new one.
46points

#9 What Does The Red Light Mean?

Corroded and poorly soldered electrical connections with damaged insulation and tangled wires creating a hazardous setup.
45points

Despite having doubts about their ability to adapt to new technology, most Americans still want to own the newest gadgets. Smartphones, smart watches, and the newest model laptop: a whopping 77% of Americans think that it's essential to own the latest electronics. Unfortunately, few can afford them, and, as a result, many even go into debt to be able to buy them. 28% of Americans say that owning the latest gadget is even more important than paying the bills.

#10 Help. How Do I Turn My Night Light Off??

Electrical outlet sparking with damaged plug and tape, illustrating painful electronics handling mistakes and potential hazards.
44points

#11 This Router At School

Poorly handled electronics with a wireless router hanging from the ceiling by a twisted cable in an unsafe DIY setup.
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41points

#12 Server Room From My First Hospital Job

Messy electronics wiring with tangled network cables spilling from an open panel in a disorganized room setting.
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40points

Of course, the newest of all new technologies is artificial intelligence. And, surprisingly, Americans are quite on board with it. A recent Ipsos survey shows that 68% of Americans are familiar with the use of AI and its applications. Most trust AI just as much as news outlets, and even twice as much as social media influencers. People especially trust AI when it comes to financial decisions. They think it's great for detecting fraud, managing investments, budgeting, and even as a financial advisor.

#13 I Still Hear A Loud Buzzing But Checked Cables And Everything Looks Ok, What Could It Be?

Overloaded power strip supported by an orange and tape in a risky and incorrect electronics handling setup.
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38points

#14 How Often Should I Let The Excess Air Out Of My MacBook Battery?

Open laptop on a towel showing internal battery and components, illustrating electronics handled the wrong way and soldering issues.
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38points

#15 A User's Desktop When I Came Into Work Yesterday

Burned computer monitor and melted keyboard on cluttered desk, illustrating painful electronics handling mistakes.
37points

The majority of Americans have a largely positive view of AI. 77% believe that artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on the world, and 62% say it will help the U.S. secure a good spot in the global competitive market. Americans think AI will help strengthen national security, boost the economy, and even speed up scientific and medical breakthroughs.

#16 Why Is My Light Switch So Aggressive?

Person using a metal key to tamper with an electrical switch, showing unsafe handling of electronics and potential hazards.
35points

#17 Maybe Using Two Is A Bit Too Much But I'm A Perfectionist

Exposed electrical wires loosely joined with plastic cable ties outdoors, illustrating improper handling of electronics.
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33points

#18 PSA: Don't Leave Grandma Unattended At The Servers Room

Tangled yellow Ethernet cables twisted together haphazardly in a server rack showing poor electronics handling.
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33points

Yet, many experts are sounding the alarm bells regarding AI. They say that policymakers should regulate generative AI to protect societies from the spread of misinformation, the misuse of personal data, and, in the case of creative industries, the unethical use of intellectual property. Public attitudes are heated as well; many people call for the harsh regulation of AI, fearing that their jobs will soon become obsolete.

#19 Someone Asked If This Is Repairable

Close-up of a heavily corroded electronic circuit board damaged by improper handling and moisture exposure.
33points

#20 What Do I Do Now?

Close-up of a green circuit board with a warning about voiding warranty, illustrating poor electronics handling.
31points
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