When the Bullies Get Burned: How One Adult Outsmarted Teenage Tormentors at Their Own Game
Have you ever wished you could give a bully a taste of their own medicine? Most of us have fantasized about poetic justice, but one Redditor from r/PettyRevenge didn’t just dream about it—they delivered the ultimate digital smackdown. In a viral confession titled “I cyberbullied a bunch of teenagers, and I don’t regret it,” a protective older sibling used the bullies’ own tactics against them, and the internet can’t get enough.
This isn’t your average tale of schoolyard shenanigans. It’s a modern David vs. Goliath: with memes, makeup edits, and a dash of TikTok humiliation. But was it justified, or just another spin of the cyberbullying wheel? Let’s break down why this story struck a nerve—and why so many people are secretly cheering.
From Victim to Vigilante: The Backstory
Our story begins with u/Expensive_Thanks5412, who, along with their family, adopted two boys who’d already endured more than their fair share of life’s hardships. The youngest, M, became especially close to the poster and eventually opened up about relentless bullying at the hands of a notorious group of local teens.
These weren’t your garden-variety mean kids. According to the post, this group had a reputation for violence and cruelty, with incidents severe enough to make the local news—think hospitalizations, threats with knives, and a laundry list of racist taunts and harassment. The kind of bullies whose parents don’t care, whose teachers feel powerless, and whose victims feel utterly alone.
Enter: The Petty Avenger
With fists and lectures off the table, our would-be hero hatched a plan that was both cunning and oh-so-2024. Inspired by a trend called “Cutting” (no, not that kind), where teens edit photos with humiliating captions and share them on TikTok, u/Expensive_Thanks5412 decided to flip the script.
They created a fake Instagram, followed the bullies, and edited their photos—subtly, but savagely—adding makeup here, a cutting caption there, just enough to make them the laughingstocks of their own digital circle. One particularly menacing bully, known for brandishing a knife, was given a full makeup makeover in his photo edit. The result? Viral embarrassment: 3,000 views in an hour, a flood of roasting comments, and a rumor that the toughest bully secretly loved dressing up.
Was It Petty or Poetic?
Let’s be clear: cyberbullying is generally a big no-no. But internet justice is rarely painted in shades of black and white. In this case, the bullies got a taste of their own medicine and, for once, didn’t have a helpless victim to target in return. The poster was careful to protect M from suspicion and didn’t cross into truly malicious territory—no threats, no doxxing, just a digital comeuppance.
The response? Over 2,000 upvotes and a flood of comments, mostly from people who felt a cathartic sense of satisfaction. Some called it petty; others called it justice. But nearly everyone agreed: sometimes, the only way to beat a troll is to be a bigger, better one.
Why Did This Story Resonate?
- It’s Revenge Done Right: The poster didn’t escalate to violence or endanger anyone’s safety. They simply mirrored the bullies’ tactics back at them, leveling the playing field.
- It Shines a Light on Powerlessness: Too often, adults are told to ignore or “just report” bullying. This story illustrates what happens when the system fails—and someone decides to play by the bullies’ rules.
- It’s the Underdog’s Win: Everyone roots for the underdog, and in this case, the scales were finally tipped in favor of the bullied, not the bullies.
The Morality of Petty Revenge
Is it okay to fight fire with fire? The internet’s answer seems to be a resounding “sometimes.” It’s a reminder that while kindness and reporting are ideal, sometimes, a dash of creative mischief is the only thing that gets through to those who think they’re untouchable.
So, is u/Expensive_Thanks5412 a bad person, as they wonder? Maybe. But for M—and for anyone who’s ever been on the receiving end of a bully’s cruelty—they’re a hero, if only for a moment.
What do you think? Was this justice, or just another round of online bullying? Share your thoughts below—because sometimes, the best revenge is a lively debate.
Have your own story of digital revenge or a time you stood up to bullies? Drop it in the comments! And don’t forget to share if you believe karma occasionally needs a helping hand.
Original Reddit Post: I cyberbullied a bunch of teenagers, and I don’t regret it.