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We’re all very mindful of aesthetics, whether we’re consciously aware of it or not. On an instinctive level, we deeply enjoy looking at beautiful things. It’s not only that, though. We want that which is beautiful. Lance Hosey writes in The New York Times: “Brain scan studies reveal that the sight of an attractive product can trigger the part of the motor cerebellum that governs hand movement. Instinctively, we reach out for attractive things; beauty literally moves us.”

However, there is a parallel narrative running alongside this. To put it bluntly—we’re also fascinated by that which is ugly and bizarre. Truly horrendous art, horrible designs, and unaesthetic projects can capture our imagination like nothing else. Whether these things are so unaesthetic they loop back around and become aesthetic becomes a moot question when you’re stuck there, looking deep into the abyss, wondering whether to run away or share the image with your friends.

Luckily, we’re not the only ones who have a fascination with the (un)aesthetic side of the internet. The ‘Things that are not aesthetic’ Facebook page with nearly 3.5 million followers is a celebration of everything that makes us uncomfortable (yet keeps our eyes glued to the screen). Check out some of the most intriguing, weird, and unaesthetic posts featured on the online group, which is part of the Dank Channel project, upvote the ones that you particularly enjoyed hating, and go join them if it’s something that’s right up your alley.

More info: Facebook | DankChannel.com

#1

There's No Time To Explain. Get In The Pea

There's No Time To Explain. Get In The Pea

amyis_trying Report

#2

Don't

Don't

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I. I. I have to leave i would honk the hell out of that. The don't is so tempting

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#3

My Bubble Bath Better Calm Tf Down

My Bubble Bath Better Calm Tf Down

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The Dank Channel project was created by Levi Cameron Grenko back in 2013. The social media manager has very ambitious goals, including to "make a difference on the world as a whole" through memes.

This isn’t the first time that Bored Panda has written about crimes against good design and aesthetics. Ugliness and weirdness are both pretty popular, it seems. And they’ve got some things in common.

Recently, I spoke with Swiss design aficionados Jonas Nyffenegger and Sébastien Mathys about their ‘Ugly Design’ project over on Instagram. Ugliness, especially how it clashes with picture-perfect social media feeds, is a fascination of theirs.

#4

I Get It

I Get It

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get that. I cant do my best work while people watch me, I fumble and panic and then fumble again coz I'm panicking etc

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#6

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

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"As our love for ugliness keeps growing, the line between ugly and beauty is getting a bit blurred," the guys behind the ‘Ugly Design’ page told me during an earlier interview. "It appears more and more of our followers have completely lost their taste. That’s a good thing. It means they’ll have to find it again. It will most likely be forever changed."

Jonas and Sébastien told me that part of the appeal of badly designed objects is that they create a stark contrast to what you can usually find while scrolling down in your Instagram feed.

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“When seeing an ugly design rather than perfect aesthetics (as defined in the 21st century)—scrollers takes notice. Also, @Uglydesign never gets predictable—that is key to maintain and grow followers in our opinion,” the pair noted that we should avoid predictability and conventions if we want to get noticed in a space where ‘perfection’ is, more often than not, the norm.

#10

I Appreciate How Well Done This Is, But It Gives Me Severe Anxiety

I Appreciate How Well Done This Is, But It Gives Me Severe Anxiety

Things that are not aesthetic Report

“We find it crazy that this theme can still surprise us and make us laugh so much after having dug into it for so long,” they said. “We are posting various topics under the theme of ugly design, from maximalism to design fails, covering everything from luxurious furniture, jewelry, fashion, nail art, architecture, to upcycling… And except for some designs fail, we believe it is an incredible source of inspiration and joy.”

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It should be clear by now that unaesthetic things and designs are just as important as aesthetic ones, as far as inspiration and social commentary both go. However, which ones grab our attention the hardest is still up for grabs. 

#15

Jfc That’s Horrifying

Jfc That’s Horrifying

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Thomas E S Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As shocking as that is, it's a good way to prevent corrupt customs officials from confiscating it for their own use.

Becky Samuel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a customs official needs a snuggle with a plushie then who am I to stand in his way.

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Kosh1k
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actuay useful - I did this to save space when packing blankets and pillows, and they returned to their normal shape without issue!

Susan Bosse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When using this method for travel, how you do get things when going back home? Borrow a vacuum from housekeeping??

Anonymousplease
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used large plastic baggies to do this for travel, so we could just put the cloths back in the bags. No idea how they would re seal the vacuum stuff though

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how most of them are transported anyway. Works just fine, just like with pillows.

Karla Nelsen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Irish friend thought she could do this with a loaf of bread. She didn't understand why it would "puff back up" when she opened the vacuum seal! :)

SuperChicken
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish they would sell a dual-voltage vacuum sealer, I'd be the first in line to buy one.

Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's... oddly specific? Just get a simple transformer, or even buy a 220v sealer and a buck convertor for roughly $1?

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Meif’wa Fan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The longer I stare at it, the more it starts to look like a hamster

Kanga9ine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have thought it was time to lock you in the attic with all my other crazy family members.

Ara
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come quick Daisy. Time to unwrap the present that aunty Jo sent you for your birthday

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#16

This Would Work Better Than Giving Me Flowers

This Would Work Better Than Giving Me Flowers

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#17

The Surgery Went Perfectly

The Surgery Went Perfectly

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#20

“I Don’t Need To Trace It...i Know How Big Letters Should Be.”-John Mulaney

“I Don’t Need To Trace It...i Know How Big Letters Should Be.”-John Mulaney

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#21

Going Into Trendy Restaurants Like

Going Into Trendy Restaurants Like

kdriley05 Report

#22

My Dog When I'm Changing The Sheets On My Bed And She Refuses To Move

My Dog When I'm Changing The Sheets On My Bed And She Refuses To Move

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#27

Idk What’s More Embarrassing: Owning These, Or Getting Your Ass Whooped By Someone Wearing These

Idk What’s More Embarrassing: Owning These, Or Getting Your Ass Whooped By Someone Wearing These

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#28

Apartment Balcony, But Inside

Apartment Balcony, But Inside

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#29

Slice Out Negativity, It’s A Lifestyle

Slice Out Negativity, It’s A Lifestyle

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wifeofweasley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure his favorite food is pizza... just guessing so don't old me down on that

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#30

Thomas Has Never Seen Such Jerry Rigging

Thomas Has Never Seen Such Jerry Rigging

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#32

Do I Have To Wear Anything Under It? ( O Y O )

Do I Have To Wear Anything Under It? ( O Y O )

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would definitely wear this over a fitted tee. My arms get colder than my torso.

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#39

It's 3am

It's 3am

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Dianethe Dinosaur
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which ones to save, which ones to sacrifice to the melon god. It was a hard decision.

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#48

Seeing This All I Can Think Of Is That Video Series Where Goofy Says "Where's My Money!!!"

Seeing This All I Can Think Of Is That Video Series Where Goofy Says "Where's My Money!!!"

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#49

Maybe They Have Ocd And Have Literally Clocked What The Average Time They’re Open On Any Given Day

Maybe They Have Ocd And Have Literally Clocked What The Average Time They’re Open On Any Given Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#50

Never Paint Your Nails Again With These Bad Boys.

Never Paint Your Nails Again With These Bad Boys.

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TmKhr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meh, my toes are already crooked enough, I don't need socks to do it for me

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#53

Eating An Apple To Start My Day

Eating An Apple To Start My Day

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Yara Balabanova
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like peeling the apple would have taken less time and given you more fruit...

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#54

Why

Why

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Random Anon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be even more surprised if they somehow managed a door for that.

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#55

This Staircase

This Staircase

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is funny and AWESOME! Obviously not the only staircase there, but this one is really nice for people who like to climb and it's very 'aesthetic'. That's the whole point.

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#57

Get Me That Ceiling. Sir Sir! Get Me That Ceiling!

Get Me That Ceiling. Sir Sir! Get Me That Ceiling!

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#59

This Is The Last Damn Time I Order From Wish. Genuine AirPods My Ass

This Is The Last Damn Time I Order From Wish. Genuine AirPods My Ass

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#60

A Grown Man? This Is How My 4 Year Old Puts Things Away

A Grown Man? This Is How My 4 Year Old Puts Things Away

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naw, most adult humans know how to put away leftovers properly. This isn't a gender thing.

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#61

The Toppings Were Scared Away

The Toppings Were Scared Away

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#69

Sequin Nicolas Cage Pillow Case

Sequin Nicolas Cage Pillow Case

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#70

UPS

UPS

51k

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There could still be two separate bins in there. Just sayin'...

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#73

As A Fomer Smoker, Just Looking At This Gives Me Heart Palpitations

As A Fomer Smoker, Just Looking At This Gives Me Heart Palpitations

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Lorraine Geater
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly and is he saying he always drives in straight roads. Driving fast and/or round a corner would be a disaster! Totally photoshopped.

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#75

The Chad Victorian Gaming Chair

The Chad Victorian Gaming Chair

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this is 'Victorian', unless there's a trend in the glorious state of Victoria I don't know about.

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#78

Yuck

Yuck

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Caro Caro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yuk. First why barefoot in a store? It is gross, imagine what you have under your feet and second, why the heck go to all that trouble te cut out the soles of your shoes. why????

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#80

Imagine It Being Pitch Ass Dark, Half Asleep, And Walking To The Bathroom

Imagine It Being Pitch Ass Dark, Half Asleep, And Walking To The Bathroom

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#82

Please Slow Down And Stop Thank You Very Much

Please Slow Down And Stop Thank You Very Much

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#83

40oz Tomahawk Steak With American Cheese Slices

40oz Tomahawk Steak With American Cheese Slices

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, the steak is ok, I guess, but what are those plastic sheets on top? How dare they refer to that as cheese?

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#85

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

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Loretta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, it does look cheap, but poor people have... you know... cheap things. Just because it doesn't look like an Instagram picture... As long as they are happy with it...

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#87

Zillow: “Cozy Two Story House For Sale. $350,000.” The House:

Zillow: “Cozy Two Story House For Sale. $350,000.” The House:

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#88

Why

Why

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because it's funny! Because it's sarcastic! Because it makes fun of all the stupid prices in shops as if we are stupid and don't understand that 1.99 is 2 bucks and then buy it because it's 'only 1.99!'...

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#93

Science Has Gone Too Far This Time

Science Has Gone Too Far This Time

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#97

Potluck At Work Gonna Be Fire

Potluck At Work Gonna Be Fire

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh, I'd probably like that better than some of the dishes I've eaten at potlucks.

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#98

I’ve Had It Up To Here With My Meat Shrinking

I’ve Had It Up To Here With My Meat Shrinking

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#107

Idk How This Feels I Live In Oregon

Idk How This Feels I Live In Oregon

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Oregon, you don't pump your own gas. Gas attendants are a state requirement.

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