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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.

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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    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.

    #4

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How fast was the tow truck driver going?!

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    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.

    #9

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Lunakadi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We know who rules the roost here. Bwah wah waaah…

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    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.

    #11

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Lunakadi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grrrrr! Entitled aholes just leave their shopping carts anywhere.

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    #12

    Images-Need-More-Context

    strangest.media Report

    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of those things where you wonder what made it necessary

    Fat Harry
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe the words "university" and "Alabama" explain everything!

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    Satan herself
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many times did this happen before they put a sign up 😳

    Earl Grey
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love "read to the end" comments 🤣👍🏻

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    QuirkyKittyGirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be wearing gloves while on campus.

    Angel Pennell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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...?

    Gorilla guy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are we assuming it's guys? Ladies have genitalia too.

    Mmm K
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My first week in prison, I learned to not ride the elevators after supper. They were used for other things than traveling between floors.

    Haley Futch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know this only exists because some drunk dude tried it

    Ambry Petersen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eeewwwwwww. Now I never want to touch an elevator button again.

    AngelWingsYT
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was gonna ask why but then saw "Alabama"

    Sandy Lynn Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they made a sign, it's because someone did what they are saying not to do.

    Shirley Heyn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, that covers that problem. . .!

    Meredith Parker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, it's a University sign. It was necessary.

    Katherine Forrestall
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Egads , voyeurs watching the sixes and nines...

    cryssH
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some folks just gotta d*** around

    Kim St
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you sure they didn't mean Florida???

    Mary Wiggenhorn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    University of Alabama, AKA Redneck Tech. Genius.

    HorseMuse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, we know it ain’t a woman! Dudes!

    Nancy Lynch
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wear gloves in the UA elevators.

    Nola Dorothy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did someone really think this was a good idea?

    Ramón Doomernik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then how will i get to the 5th floor I got my hands full if takeout food and homework

    MrsF
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, what kind of d**k would do that sort of thing?!

    Andy C
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I knew they could see me

    David R.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess I'd be stuck on the 2nd floor.

    Robert Eaton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know if I want to touch those buttons

    Rachael green
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A sign like this on a university campus will surely have the opposite effect? 😂

    Surfing Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never thought of doing that... But now you mention it...

    Will Cable
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They only pressed the buttons with their genitalia as far as they could, 1st floor button was worn out.

    timhood
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    About what I would expect from Alabama students.

    Blue Morpho Butterfly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why is this sing neede- oh wait, nevermind its in alabama

    NukerYT
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm surprised that this aint in ohio

    Gloria Mendoza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s Alabama, what were you expecting!

    Amy T
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SEC. We have our priorities straight.

    #ducko#
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thank god they put the sign up, its been getting to be a real problem

    Remington Greer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go to university for the education. The education:

    Glenn Cuneo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's called "Meat wiping".... Just sayin....

    Jan Bowyer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You won't catch me touching that button with a bare hand--eww

    Kat
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It amazes me that have to put that sign up lol someone has done this, why like just why would you want to do that lol

    Frank Miller
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't see any buttons with genitalia...

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    Zardoz360
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    S**t, I'm glad they told me.

    Jon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember that one time in college.....

    J. Maxx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Video or it never happened.

    Vicky-Victoria
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you imagine buttons w genitalia 😲 😂 (some people would be pushing - or pulling - it repeatedly, 😂)

    Wicked-Wheelchair-Woman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know a sign like this is there because someone actually did it.

    LuLuBelle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As the supervisor of college student workers, this is 1,000% understandable.

    Tina Kathrarg
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One more reason to take the stairs

    Ash Conner
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just when you thought that maybe Alabama isn't so bad, then you see this.

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did they manage to get all the way to the 6 floor button though?

    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To non-US citizens: This pretty much sums up Alabama. The whole state, not just the university.

    Eva
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sweet home alabama

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep on being classy, 'Bama!

    mikejaz2
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Necessary to post this in Alabama.

    Johnnynatfan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s at the university of Alabama so yeah no surprise. Drunk college kids do stupid s**t.

    Sue
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of course it's Alabama. Looks like you can click buttons that don't have genitalia.

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    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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    #15

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    80 Van
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They ran out of space in the bathroom.

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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.

    #16

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    giku T
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    apparently he is a dinosaur enthusiast;making do with the only living sub-species.

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    #17

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's Baby Shark, mummy shark, daddy shark, grandma shark and grandpa shark!

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    #18

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Chihuahua Mama
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd probably be more annoyed at the white car's parking. At least the canoe is in 1 spot

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    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?

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    #20

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Lunakadi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this what a Happy Meal box looks like? I’d have nightmares.

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    #21

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Lunakadi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took me a minute to realize this was a grocery store and not a space ship.

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    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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    #23

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Chihuahua Mama
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Caption says "they live in very difficult conditions". Not inaccurate...

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    #24

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Katie Bear
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only person that noticed the camera isn't plugged in?

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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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    #25

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    #26

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Peppy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Sorry it was a typo, I meant to say we’re going to a party, not going as a pasty”

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    #27

    Images-Need-More-Context

    strangest.media Report

    JuniorCJ82
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone went off-roading and had an amazing time.

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    #31

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Sammy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Typical Canadian ice hockey match

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    #32

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    pineapple87
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One way to make sure you don't have to deal with customers

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    #37

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Matthew Lindeman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1. How did he learn to do that? 2. Can he teach me?

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    #38

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    User# 6
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ikea presents new accomodation for visiting mothers in law.

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    #40

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Sleepy Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry Jesus, but my money’s on the pink pony!

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    #41

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Sammy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Girls all around the world have exploded after seeing such large pockets.

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    #42

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    80 Van
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone accidentally held down copy-and-paste.

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    #43

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    Sue Denham
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which will fry second; the food or themselves? Clearly their brains were fried first.

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    #46

    Images-Need-More-Context

    imagesthatneedmorecontext Report

    80 Van
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m pretty sure I don’t want the context of this photo.

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