Drongopizza, one of the moderators of the subreddit, told Bored Panda that people use different strategies when they try to offload their work onto other group members. "This usually happens by them not doing their part [at all], thereby forcing the other team members to do it for them," Drongopizza said.
"Another way these [terrible] group members get out of doing the project is by doing the bare minimum. They often do their part but to a very low standard which would bring the overall mark for the other members down. This forces the other group members to take up the [terrible] member's part."
Another member of the subreddit's mod team, SilverAssasin337, said they too spotted a plethora of different ways people try to slack off, each one more creative than the last. "This sub has seen some imaginative stuff: from faking an injury to even faking the death of a loved one!"
Drongopizza thinks the best way to confront these opportunists is to not do it yourself. "Go to your course advisor or teacher and let them know the situation. This almost always results in the [terrible] member getting a kick up the [backside] or makes it so their part of the project doesn't degrade other members' parts."
Another possible way to take care of the situation is to confront them as a group. "This lets them know that it's a whole group of people who are dissatisfied with their work. One of the only times that 'peer pressure' isn’t a bad thing."
"It's very important to be mindful of the [terrible] group member's background because often they are [terrible] because something is happening at home or they are struggling in some way. Make sure that before you call them out, you ask them if they need any help with their part or what they are struggling with."
However, if it's you who for some reason can't complete your share of work, SilverAssasin337 said the first thing you should do is just give your partners a heads up. "Tell them why you can't help, tell them what you are doing instead. Anything is better than just ignoring their texts and calls."
But it's probably in your best interest to find some time for group projects. Studies have shown they not only contribute to learning, information retention, and overall college success but also help students develop a host of skills that are important in the professional world.
