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The internet is packed with jokes that say, "Send this to your friend without saying anything." It could be a cat riding a horse or a picture of a person dressed as a superhero attempting to fly with an umbrella. These pics are funny and take us aback.
However, context matters. And quite a bit. It is important because it gives us the background info we need to understand things correctly. It's simply that in its absence, situations can take a hilariously bizarre turn. Enter the world of 'Images That Need More Context,' an Instagram account brimming with such moments. We've curated our top picks from this account, inviting you to venture into a realm where pixels flirt with mystery and snapshots stir up a storm of questions.
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Pictures without context can make you laugh because they're surprising and weird. The same can be said for the posts on the 'Images That Need More Context' Instagram account. When you see a random or unfamiliar image, your brain comes up with ideas to explain it. This surprise and imagination are what makes them funny.
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#3
But context plays an important role. In communication, it is crucial. You can't go a day without someone communicating with you. In those moments, it's really important for the message we get to be clear and easy to understand. It's quite frustrating to hear something that doesn't make sense! So, how do we make sure others understand what we're saying? We give our messages context.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, context is defined as “the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.” We'll give you an example: "I'm sorry" and "My bad" mean the same thing... unless you're at a funeral.
Human languages are naturally full of vagueness and uncertainty. Even professionals like lawyers and engineers can't use language in a way that's so clear that it can't be understood differently from what was intended. Think about the phrase "I can't do that." Whenever you stress a different word in that sentence, the meaning shifts. "I can’t do that" means something different from "I can’t do that." The sentence means different things when said by someone about to parachute from a plane compared to someone asked to lift a car.
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Fat Harry 1 year ago
I believe the words "university" and "Alabama" explain everything!
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Earl Grey 1 year ago (edited)
I think that’s a hoax. UA Printing Services (https://printing.ua.edu/sign-shop/) would have produced a much more professional looking sign with the correct university Pantone colors, not on crappy card stock, and it would not have been slapped up in a hurry with crooked cellophane tape like that. (Full disclosure: I did not attend UA.) Plus, none of those buttons have genitalia, so you can click whichever ones you want.
Angel Pennell 1 year ago
I wonder, did dude just have a stiff one and decide "hey I bet I could push that button" Or did he actively go out of his way to make his genitals able to push it. And if he did go out of his way, did he just have it in his hand flacid and push it, or did he work to get it rigid enough to do it hands free...?
Mmm K 1 year ago
When you think about the genitalia that both possess, which one do you think has the realistic ability to press vertical things like this?
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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
My first week in prison, I learned to not ride the elevators after supper. They were used for other things than traveling between floors.
Sandy Lynn Johnson 1 year ago
If they made a sign, it's because someone did what they are saying not to do.
Ramón Doomernik 1 year ago
Then how will i get to the 5th floor I got my hands full if takeout food and homework
Rachael green 1 year ago
A sign like this on a university campus will surely have the opposite effect? 😂
Will Cable 1 year ago
They only pressed the buttons with their genitalia as far as they could, 1st floor button was worn out.
Epona 1 year ago (edited)
I doubt that female genitals are what this sign is specifying but I could be wrong. Guys (not all guys, I hope) do stupid sh!t like this *because* they have a pen!s. Women don't really think of their privates as body parts they need to use as fingers/a body part to press buttons with. Not that I know of anyway. I certainly don't use my boobs or my vagina as a finger.
Vicky-Victoria 1 year ago
Can you imagine buttons w genitalia 😲 😂 (some people would be pushing - or pulling - it repeatedly, 😂)
Wicked-Wheelchair-Woman 1 year ago
You know a sign like this is there because someone actually did it.
Ash Conner 1 year ago
Just when you thought that maybe Alabama isn't so bad, then you see this.
Riley Quinn 1 year ago
To non-US citizens: This pretty much sums up Alabama. The whole state, not just the university.
Johnnynatfan 1 year ago
It’s at the university of Alabama so yeah no surprise. Drunk college kids do stupid s**t.
There are some ways to create context for effective communication. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes—not literally, of course (see what we did there?). Imagine the other person hearing your words for the first time. If you were in their position, what information would be necessary to understand the message? Is there any crucial background you should share? Would explaining how you reached a certain conclusion provide perspective?
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People may not remember your exact words, but they'll remember how you said them. It's important to match your body language and voice with your message, especially in virtual conversations where only your voice is heard. Make sure your tone fits what you're saying.
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Mohsie Supposie 1 year ago
It's Baby Shark, mummy shark, daddy shark, grandma shark and grandpa shark!
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Chihuahua Mama 1 year ago
I'd probably be more annoyed at the white car's parking. At least the canoe is in 1 spot
Be prepared to respond to questions without making assumptions. Avoid becoming defensive and keep in mind that people have different ways of thinking and interpreting. After all, that's why context is necessary in the first place, isn't it?
The best way to communicate is by sharing information. Use open-ended questions and allow space for the message to be clarified. Then, confirm or make corrections to ensure your intended message gets across effectively.
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Chihuahua Mama 1 year ago
Caption says "they live in very difficult conditions". Not inaccurate...
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Continue scrolling for a glimpse into the most hilarious posts in the group. Give a thumbs up to the gems that tickle your funny bone. For an additional dose of context-free wonders, venture into our past editions here and here.
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What do you think ?
Ryan Mercer 1 year ago
Why does boredpanda occasionally show me my vote total on the right side column? Like I care. Like anyone should care.
Penny Burgett 1 year ago
Nicely done! And useful advice - hopefully it gets read as folks scroll through.
Ryan Mercer 1 year ago
Why does boredpanda occasionally show me my vote total on the right side column? Like I care. Like anyone should care.
Penny Burgett 1 year ago
Nicely done! And useful advice - hopefully it gets read as folks scroll through.
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