Ever since the invention of social media (probably) people have been low-key bragging about flying by posting pics like this:
Weibo / Via weibo.com
But thanks to the "fake travel" trend that's taken off (sorry) on the video app TikTok, we can now add these photos to the long list of lies we should not believe on social media.
BuzzFeed / Weibo / Via weibo.com
Yep, it's not a window; it's a toilet seat.
The trending hashtag #faketravel prompts TikTok users to show "how you're "traveling" around the world, right from the comfort of your own home". So far it's clocked up 14.4 million views.
TikTok
The trend has also been coined the "Fake Plane Challenge".
The most common approach is to upload a seemingly normal video that appears to show the view from a plane window....
TikTok / @gursanjjam / Via m.tiktok.com
...only to reveal the "window" is in fact an everyday object with an oval-ish hole, positioned in front of a phone/tv/photo/the sky to create the background ~illusion~.
TikTok / @gursanjjam / Via m.tiktok.com
Upon first glance they look kinda believable.
TikTok / @30600115273 / Via m.tiktok.com
As ridiculous as the trend is, you have to admit it's also kinda funny.
TikTok / @pianojohn1 / Via m.tiktok.com
No more need to save up for an expensive around-the-world ticket — just grab yourself a bottle of laundry detergent.
Weibo / Via weibo.com
Or a coffee mug.
TikTok / @creativevip / Via m.tiktok.com
At least now traveling with kids isn't so hard.
TikTok / @tomkrull / Via m.tiktok.com
Apparently even chairs can take you to exotic places.
TikTok / @20amiro / Via t.tiktok.com
Window seats really are the best.
TikTok / @aybergsulu / Via m.tiktok.com
Anything can be a plane if you put your mind to it!
TikTok / @royaleamy / Via m.tiktok.com
Even toilet seats, which seems kinda gross but okay.
Weibo / Via weibo.com
And it's not just planes — people are faking train rides too.
TikTok / @carlosesparza / Via m.tiktok.com
I just don't know what to believe anymore.
TikTok / @redrobotcake / Via m.tiktok.com
Anyway I'd love to stay and chat but I've g2g — I'm actually on my way to Jamaica. Bye!!!
Louise Khong / BuzzFeed / Via youtube.com
GOTCHA.
