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Images don’t need context to elicit a strong reaction. It’s why many abstract paintings can stir emotions, even if the underlying message isn’t explicitly delivered. 

It’s also why out-of-context photos are often intriguingly funny, just like these examples from the Cursed Images 2009 Instagram account. Even its profile text is filled with ambiguity: “terrified of being known, desperate to be understood.” 

If that already piqued your interest enough, here are some of the posts we’ve collected for your enjoyment today. Scroll through and feel free to pvote those you find most interesting.

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    #3

    Cake decorated to look like a detailed Persian rug emphasizing creative cake designs

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pray you don't kneel on this.

    The concept of Cursed Images originated on Tumblr, where these photos were a hit at the time. According to its creator, the page began in 2016 as a form of entertainment among friends. However, it eventually gained traction. 

    As of this writing, Cursed Images 2009 on Instagram has over 71,000 followers and counting.

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    #5

    Cat sitting inside a red shopping basket among vegetables in store

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I'm waiting to get to the cat treat aisle."

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    There are many possible reasons why Cursed Images 2009 is a hit among tens of thousands of Instagram users. One of them could be a rebellion against the platform's overly polished, filtered posts. 

    Another could be driven by nostalgia for the internet’s “Wild West” days, when people mainly posted unpolished, unmonetized, and even weird content.

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    #8

    Couple holding multiple bear cubs on a couch with patterned carpet cursed images

    cursedimages2009 Report

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

    Bears should not be used as entertainment for people. And yet, I am jealous.

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    The appeal of cursed images also comes from our innate curiosity for all things weird and unusual. According to fear researcher Dr. Margee Kerr, we humans evolved to be drawn to novel things. 

    "We're descendants of humans who had the curiosity and motivation to go out and explore, but also the ability to quickly notice and take action when confronted with something new,” she said.

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    While it doesn’t apply to everyone, many are also drawn to content that induces feelings of disgust. It’s likely why Dr. Sandra Lee, a.k.a Dr. Pimple Popper, has more than 28 million followers across all her social media platforms. 

    According to behavioral scientist Dario Maestripieri, more research is needed to explain the appeal of these content pieces, but it has a lot to do with personality, especially among sensation-seeking individuals.

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    #13

    Bowl of soup with realistic severed fingers served with rice on table

    cursedimages2009 Report

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

    I saw similar picture with pizza and another human limb

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    #14

    Cursed dessert cake shaped like a large chocolate beetle surrounded by strawberries and cream

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Liliana Spiro
    Community Member
    1 hour ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    8-year-old me would've loved this as a birthday cake. I was (amongst other things) a "bug girl", always observing and going on about different insects. I'm still a "bug girl", just "slightly" older... Come to think of it, I would still love this as my birthday cake, especially since Stag Beetles are amongst my favorites

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    #15

    Man on horseback at a Burger King drive-thru illustrating unusual fast food drive-thru

    cursedimages2009 Report

    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "can I have a horse burger?" "sorry we only have beef"

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    A few images on this list carry a tinge of creepiness, a feeling that people would rather not feel. However, it can also draw intrigue, according to author and behavior scientist Coltan Scrivner, who explores morbid curiosity. 

    "You need to look closer to figure out what it's all about, to decide to fight, flee, or ignore,” he said.

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    #17

    Man with a mohawk styled with colorful M&M's characters in his hair cursed images

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Bonesko
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gotta say that's impressive. I have trouble doing my highlights.

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    #23

    Rooster standing in doghouse labeled Rex, a cursed animal setting

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rex the dog can be found cowering in the henhouse with the rest of the chickens.

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    #24

    Man singing from excavator bucket as audience watches at party

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Sian E
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drunken antics and heavy machinery...what could possibly go wrong?

    #25

    Horse pulling a trailer parked among cars in a parking lot showing unusual parking scenes

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's some impressive reverse-parking skills.

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    #28

    Pickup truck customized with a giant red lobster sculpture in a parking lot

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    58 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope that vehicle doesn't have an accident, we don't want a crushedacean

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    #29

    Sign on car window asking about being an involuntary test subject for cruel technologies

    cursedimages2009 Report

    gi ga
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not for long if you keep blocking your view

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    #30

    Side of a truck with the cursed quote about God and peace printed

    cursedimages2009 Report

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

    Not much peace in the Middle East at the moment and I don't think lack of a god is the problem

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    #36

    Red car elevated on large custom wire spoke wheels

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    56 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have enough bloody trouble getting into a Land Rover thank you very much

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    #38

    Cursed image of a coffin car with a man lying inside wearing a hat

    cursedimages2009 Report

    I am not you
    Community Member
    49 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    《Corpse Seated Upright In Car Coffin (Original Caption) 2/28/1984-Chicago, Illinois- At the request of his family, the late Willie M. (Wimp) Stokes Jr. goes in style as he is propped up in his coffin made up to resemble a late model luxury automobile 2/28. Stokes Jr. was found by Chicago Police 2/24 d**d of gunshot wounds. BPA2 #1002》

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    #39

    Car with detailed cheetah face airbrush paint design

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Liliana Spiro
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How could they do this to such an iconic car as the Jaguar E-Type Roadster?!

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    #43

    Red old car modified into a stretched limousine parked on muddy snowy ground cursed images

    cursedimages2009 Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could put a steering wheel at each end so you don't have to turn around.

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    #45

    Man holding a double-neck guitar with a SpongeBob SquarePants design, smiling

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Hey! Watch where you're putting your hand, buddy!"

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    #51

    Helicopter lifting unusual object resembling a blue animal in cursed images

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Liliana Spiro
    Community Member
    59 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a common animal rescue practice in the Swiss Alps during the late summer and autumn

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    #61

    Room fully covered in leopard print fabric with person lounging on couch

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We know exactly what car she drives!

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    #62

    Leopard print billiards table with balls scattered and player aiming cursed images

    cursedimages2009 Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    35 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just realised, the ball position can be called out, eg. the red ball is 1.5 across and 1.9 long. Then it becomes possible to play it blindfolded.

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    #63

    Cake with uneven white icing and green writing spelling cake

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are the flowers baby's breath, because they are poisonous.

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    #66

    Silver Chevrolet truck with rear window decal saying Lovin life I want my mommie

    cursedimages2009 Report

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

    The two types of moods you go through as an adult

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    #69

    Blue rusty truck with trust the process text on back

    cursedimages2009 Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a recycling truck? I don't think so! The city tells us to recycle, but do they really do it? It probably ends up in the same dump as the trash.

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