You would be surprised. I've seen several stories get called out and the authors then say, invariably- 'Oh yea forgot to mention I'm a writer, maybe that's why blah blah'.

I don't know if they try and add these things to their portfolio, but it definitely makes a perverse sense, ie 'look my writing even fooled X people on reddit!'

Honestly I believe nothing anymore without some digging, and really it's something that's gotten worse as every year I feel like we are living in a world of lies- politics, ads, fucking everything.

Now, I do honestly believe there are many people that are legitimately unhappy and venting in that sub- I know more than a few people in real life living out some of those stories.

Just...use critical thinking skills. And try not to let it kill you inside. I am become jaded and cynical, but because I'm a realist.