ADVERTISEMENT

While you and I are scratching our heads trying to come up with a solid definition of a cursed image, there’s a huge online community on Reddit dedicated to exactly that.

Titled “Cursed Images,” this online group believes that it has to be the spirit of the image. “If the image causes confusion, eeriness, or dread, the spirit of an image is fulfilled,” and it gets documented and shared on the community with 1.5M members.

So today we wrapped some of the most confusion and eeriness-inducing examples shared on the Cursed Images group, so upvote the best of the worst ones!

#1

Cursed_electrician

Cursed_electrician

garywinthorpe420 Report

You May Also Like:
#2

Cursed_crossing

Cursed_crossing

gujii Report

#3

Cursed_hospital

Cursed_hospital

asiimow Report

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Cursed_visitor

Cursed_visitor

Semi-Charmedx Report

#5

Cursed_commute

Cursed_commute

appa-ate-momo Report

#6

Cursed_xray

Cursed_xray

random_user_name123 Report

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.

#7

Cursed_photobomb

Cursed_photobomb

reddit.com Report

#8

Cursed_ride

Cursed_ride

Nomad_9811 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Cursed_follower

Cursed_follower

panichan2 Report

“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.

#10

Cursed_cosplay

Cursed_cosplay

HYRneedy Report

#11

Cursed_backyard

Cursed_backyard

GameMonkeyDev Report

#12

Cursed_noclip

Cursed_noclip

SirProdigal Report

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Cursed_water Leak

Cursed_water Leak

Water0Crab Report

#14

Cursed_statue

Cursed_statue

lol62056 Report

#15

Cursed_image

Cursed_image

donttalktomeimsad Report

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.

#16

Cursed_hot Wheels

Cursed_hot Wheels

sggEeulB Report

#17

Cursed_watcher

Cursed_watcher

cursed_napkin Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Cursed_pilgrimage

Cursed_pilgrimage

cursed_cynical Report

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.

#19

Cursed_keyboard

Cursed_keyboard

KuCamBr Report

#20

Cursed_return

Cursed_return

FishWithFangs Report

#21

Cursed_pool

Cursed_pool

Bossboy_42 Report

#22

Cursed_gang

Cursed_gang

ReDxFo Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#23

Cursed_skull

Cursed_skull

notgonnathrowthis Report

#24

Cursed_nun

Cursed_nun

iLaur1337 Report

#25

Cursed_kitty

Cursed_kitty

cursed_napkin Report

#26

Cursed_playground

Cursed_playground

Xilolfino Report

#27

Cursed_watcher

Cursed_watcher

Fuemix Report

#28

Cursed_nsa

Cursed_nsa

spookyAGENT Report

#29

Cursed_baby

Cursed_baby

hman0987 Report

#30

Cursed_decision

Cursed_decision

flowwwwy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#31

Cursed_kamikaze

Cursed_kamikaze

reddit.com Report

#32

Cursed_mri

Cursed_mri

ismailizhere Report

#33

Cursed_soul

Cursed_soul

cursed_napkin Report

#34

Cursed_baby

Cursed_baby

slashinghands Report

#35

Cursed_observer

Cursed_observer

TheEpicFuzzray Report

#36

Cursed_cult

Cursed_cult

S-L-A-V-E-R-Y Report

#37

Cursed_inside

Cursed_inside

FishWithFangs Report

#38

Cursed_haircut

Cursed_haircut

billieuglish Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#39

Cursed_kfc

Cursed_kfc

SPIDER-MAN-2 Report

#40

Cursed_forest

Cursed_forest

Blobfish_6ix9ine Report

#41

Cursed_clown

Cursed_clown

JoemammaSuckMyNuts Report

#42

Cursed_beholder

Cursed_beholder

cursed_napkin Report

#43

Cursed_girlfriend

Cursed_girlfriend

scurvy4all Report

#44

Cursed_garage

Cursed_garage

Dogman50012 Report

#45

Cursed_quarantine

Cursed_quarantine

kersedlife Report

#46

Cursed_tape

Cursed_tape

SuperSpiderGamer Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#47

Cursed_fallout

Cursed_fallout

dbot25454 Report

#48

Cursed_pupil

Cursed_pupil

dankboi2102 Report

#49

Cursed_stalker

Cursed_stalker

SGrimgar Report

#50

Cursed_sneak

Cursed_sneak

cursed_napkin Report

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

Cursed_seat

Cursed_seat

guy9679 Report

#52

Cursed_raccoons

Cursed_raccoons

barto2300 Report

#53

Cursed_night_out

Cursed_night_out

DevourerITA Report

#54

Cursed_spiderman

Cursed_spiderman

Shekelsss Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#55

Cursed_dog

Cursed_dog

babycheesefingers Report

#56

Cursed_teddy

Cursed_teddy

spookyAGENT Report

#57

Cursed_invasion

Cursed_invasion

r3msik Report

#58

Cursed_balcony

Cursed_balcony

dacluelessbadger Report

#59

Cursed_crew

Cursed_crew

FishWithFangs Report

#60

Cursed_pool

Cursed_pool

gem_miner Report

#61

Cursed_companion

Cursed_companion

SirProdigal Report

#62

Cursed_gathering

Cursed_gathering

mattzattackz Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#63

Cursed_cereal

Cursed_cereal

SoupCollector Report

#64

Cursed_doublebounce

Cursed_doublebounce

EdwardTennant Report

#65

Cursed_antichrist

Cursed_antichrist

Cursed_Plague Report

#66

Cursed_toilet

Cursed_toilet

adamlm Report

#67

Cursed_sister

Cursed_sister

Daiato Report

#68

Cursed_ritual

Cursed_ritual

TheEntitledKid Report

#69

Cursed_obesity

Cursed_obesity

juli_69 Report

#70

Cursed_friendship

Cursed_friendship

cursed_napkin Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

Cursed_brethren

Cursed_brethren

cursed_napkin Report

#72

Cursed_orgy

Cursed_orgy

AstronomicalDumbass_ Report

#73

Cursed_matress

Cursed_matress

will_tschirhart Report

#74

Cursed_uzi

Cursed_uzi

Cursed_Judge Report

#75

Cursed_icepeople

Cursed_icepeople

Rausoutofmy_House69 Report