Know Your Meme defines a cursed image as “a type of picture and photograph on the internet that are generally seen as disturbing to the viewer, typically due to the poor photo quality or content within the image that is abnormal or illogical.” The origins of the term online can be traced back to 2015, when cursed images served as an inspiration for many social media accounts devoted to posting various cursed images, subreddits, and other communities.

The fact that cursed content still remains relevant and very popular today can be mind-blowing. After all, the “Cursed Images” subreddit, which was formed back in 2016, amassed an astounding number of members – more than 5 million. The rules of the community are pretty strict and it seems like the moderators do a great job of making sure the content meets the community’s guidelines.

But in order to find out how exactly cursed images manage to pass the test of time, year after year, we have to look behind them. We have to think of what it is exactly about the disturbing, confusing, odd visuals that make us so intrigued by them.

We reached out to Laura Vanagaite, an international freelance graphic designer who specializes in branding and social media content creation, who believes that there’s an explanation for why people like looking at cursed images.

“Cursed images can attract attention because they often challenge our expectations of what is normal or acceptable, and can evoke feelings of confusion, unease, or even fear. These types of images can create a sense of cognitive dissonance, where what we see doesn't match what we expect, leading us to want to understand and make sense of the image,” Laura explained.

Moreover, cursed images can evoke a vast array of different emotions. For example, “people may find humor or a sense of irony in the absurdity of these images, which can make them memorable and shareable.” Having said that, Laura added that these types of images may not be universally liked and that personal taste and cultural background can play a significant role in how they are perceived.

From the design point of view, some visual content seems to be more appealing to us than others. “People may be drawn to confusing or abstract design because it challenges their perception and requires them to think and interpret what they're seeing. This can create a sense of engagement and interest that is absent in more straightforward designs,” Laura explained.

“Additionally, abstract or dark designs can evoke strong emotions or create a unique atmosphere that stands out from more conventional designs,” Laura said.

On the other hand, it’s important to note that confusing design isn't always effective or appropriate, and clear communication should be the primary goal of any design, the graphic designer argues.

“These types of designs can challenge our perception of what is normal or acceptable, and can also be seen as unique and original. Additionally, people may appreciate the skill and creativity required to produce such designs, and may find them to be intellectually stimulating or aesthetically pleasing,” Laura concluded.