Whether we are making financial decisions in the stock market or seeking information on national security, our judgment is likely affected by what others think.
In fact, according to one study published by the American Psychological Association (APA), if you repeat one person's viewpoint enough times, it can even have almost as much influence on us as exposure to shared opinions from multiple people.
And they're not necessarily true—that's why propaganda can be so powerful. To illustrate this, we invite you to check out a discussion we found on Reddit. Started by platform user Dkf_, it has everyone sharing the thing they swore off but grew to enjoy against their own expectations.
#1
Having a cat. I love cats, I just don't want one. Then I ended up watching a buddy's cat for a year while he was deployed, and halfway through that year a feral cat showed up in my yard and now he's a spoiled rotten inside baby with his own room, twin sized bed, jungle gym, four kinds of food, a massive pile of toys, and a bird feeder outside his window for entertainment.
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109points
We got in touch with Dkf_, and they told Bored Panda the post was an instant hit.
"I finally decided to use my Reddit account that I started nearly four years ago. It was about 10 PM, and I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my life and what I wanted to do this summer, so I asked Reddit."
"The funniest part for me was that the first person who answered mentioned gardening, then someone suggested starting an OnlyFans career, and it just went crazy from there," they explained.
#3
Become atheist. I struggled for years with religion, how could my religion be good and have a "reputation" of kindness but then I see followers hate and hurt people? I slowly started to leave, but fear kept me in place, but ultimately I took the leap and I've never felt better! I'm spiritual, but I'm no longer a heavy religious person.
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92points
#4
Watching birds. I used to think it was for old eccentrics, but now I’m a homeowner with a massive oak tree in the back yard and it’s like a giant bird perch for every tiny dinosaur in town. I enjoy sitting in the kitchen and checking out who is up there, using my binoculars.
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81points
Some themes have come up in the discussion more than others. "The main thing I noticed was people experimenting with sexuality and drugs," Dkf_ said.
"There was the occasional reading of books and other SFW activities, but sex and drugs were the standouts."
#5
Never understood why my mom acted like stopping somewhere after work was a huge burden and was absolutely the worst.
I understand now, lol.
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71points
#6
Gardening. It seemed like a boring old people hobby to me. I guess I'm old now because I love it.
65points
Going through these confessions, it becomes clear that people aren't afraid to challenge their beliefs.
"I can't speak for others but I think curiosity drives us to try new things. We live in a world where we are so connected that people can easily hear about what others are doing and I believe this can spark imagination and give us that nudge to try something different," Dkf_ added.
"Along with that, I think the YOLO (you only live once) mentality aids in pushing people out of their comfort zones."
#7
Have kids. I know this not exactly the same as having kids but it’s certainly nothing I planned on or wanted to happen.
March 2023 we took my nieces for the summer. There was one event that caused them all to be homeless and so we agreed to watch the girls for the summer so the parents could get back on their feet. Then it was just an effing whirlwind. Their parents basically gave up…
At the start of it in March we got a power of attorney to help us through not needing the parents for every signature or doctor or teacher, etc. The parents communicated less and less to their girls and at the end of 6 months our power of attorney over the girls was set to expire. At this point the parents were hardly involved and didn’t do anything to establish themselves as a stable environment to continue raising their girls in. One parent was now three states away and the other halfway across the country. And so we found ourselves standing in court for guardianship of two kids. The girls signed their own letters stating how they wanted to stay by us and the judge made an instant decision. They understand that the guardianship more a a choice amongst all of us that they stay here, even their choice, but they have no desires to return to either parent. So here we are, a mixed bag sorta “family” that picked each other.
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63points
#8
Edibles. Swore I’d never touch the green stuff. I can’t smoke since I have asthma. But I got curious, and bought some edibles one day. And all I can say is WOW. I’ve struggled with anxiety for more than 20 years. Always had racing thoughts. The first time I tried them, those thoughts disappeared. And it was almost terrifying to have silence in my head. My anxiety is worlds better. That negative little voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough, I don’t belong, no one likes me is *gone*. After having those things more than half my life, I’m finally free of them.
Now I take them to help manage my stress, and to help me if I’m having trouble sleeping.
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62points
#9
Calling the cops on my disrespectful frat boy neighbors for their 100+ people parties in their backyard. Chug chug chug chants at midnight were awful and no matter how much I texted that the music was too loud they’d reply “we turned it down”. Bro, turning your rave music down from 9 to 8 isn’t acceptable when 3 should be max volume at 2am.
Finally did what I said I’d never do and called the sheriff about a noise complaint. I had to do it seven times over four months, progressively earlier in the night, until they finally stopped and eventually moved out. Some of those complaints were on weekdays after 1 am
Towards the end I loved hearing the complaints from the partyers as they waited for their rides with all the lights on, the music off, and the cops present.
Bros, I told you I had young kids. Don’t f**k with dad.
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49points
#11
Crochet. I'm terrible at knitting so I figured crochet would be the same. I find it much easier, and it's generally faster which is important cause of my ADHD.
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46points
#12
Run a half marathon. I was a pack a day smoker and heavy drinker.
I got on a bit of a health kick, ran my first ever 5k in 2019, progressed very quickly and now have run over a dozen ultramarathons up to and including the 100 mile distance, and a half marathon is now pretty regularly an easy training run.
I f*****g love it.
I got on a bit of a health kick, ran my first ever 5k in 2019, progressed very quickly and now have run over a dozen ultramarathons up to and including the 100 mile distance, and a half marathon is now pretty regularly an easy training run.
I f*****g love it.
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45points
#13
I am now happier when getting home appliances than getting video games. Like, i was excited that i got a non stick pan and a strainer.
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44points
#14
Cosplaying! People make it look super weird, but once I went to a con for the first time and saw everybody all dressed up, in groups, in duos, it was SO COOL. It's literally the perfect way to find people with your interests, it's so friendly, and so cool. Like, I get to dress up, meet people who enjoy my interests and LOOK LIKE THEM TOO, and people call all of that weird and cringe!? People really hate happiness!!!
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43points
#15
Working retail. I'm an introvert so just the thought of retail takes so much energy out of me. Turns out I just needed to find the right kind of product to get so nerdy about that I couldn't help but sell it. I currently sell wine and beer and I love it!
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41points
#16
Me opening this thread: “It’s gonna be butt stuff — they’re all gonna say butt stuff.”
The actual thread: “Gardening.”.
40points
#17
Liking a job without a career plan. I can’t get any promotions, I’m stuck in my category unless I study a degree (not gonna happen, I’m 45) but I love it. Almost no responsibilities, pay is on time (only half decent) and 7 hour shifts are great.
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40points
#18
Repairing my clothes. I used to throw out everything that had even the smallest scratch or rip on it. Now I try to care for my things.
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37points
#20
Play games , as a kid I was so against the idea and considered myself better for not consuming games , now I understand that I was an a*****e.
34points