ADVERTISEMENT

4.2 billion people live in cities worldwide. That's more than half of the population. By 2050, it's projected that more than two-thirds of us will reside in urban areas.

But denser doesn't mean better. This environment can pose a lot of challenges, including noise and air pollution, lack of green spaces, and inadequate transport. And there's a photography subreddit that documents them.

It's called 'Urban Hell' and the people running it say it's dedicated to "all the hideous places human beings built or inhabit." They invite us to go there for aesthetic appreciation of the darker side of the cities, towns, and villages in our world, promising rural and suburban curses as well. So let's do that and take a look at the pictures that have recently popped up within the subreddit.

For more, check out Bored Panda's earlier articles on it here and here.

#1

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh

biwook Report

Add photo comments
POST
ohxrkqra avatar
Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The city council don't have the funding to collect it because of the corruption. The situation in Dhaka is sad and horrible.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

This Is The Most Apocalyptic Image Of Modern Cairo, Egypt, I Have Ever Seen Anyone Take

This Is The Most Apocalyptic Image Of Modern Cairo, Egypt, I Have Ever Seen Anyone Take

bobmguthrie Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw this without the pyramids in the background, I'd tell you it was from an apocalyptic movie.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Of course, city living has a lot to offer. From local coffee shops and restaurants to attending cultural events and meeting people from diverse backgrounds, spending your days in a metropolis can be exciting.

But some of the issues that are evident in these pictures don't just look bad. They also damage our health. And we're not talking about minor annoyances. Constant stimulation from a busy city living can take a big toll on your mental well-being.

#3

The Before And The After Of My Hometown, Hungary

The Before And The After Of My Hometown, Hungary

Cathfaern Report

#4

One Of My Most Hated Buildings Finally Got Destroyed And Replaced By Something Beautiful

One Of My Most Hated Buildings Finally Got Destroyed And Replaced By Something Beautiful

videki_man Report

Compared to rural residents, researchers have discovered that urbanites are 21 percent more likely to have anxiety disorders and 39 percent more likely to have mood disorders. A 2017 meta-analysis also found that rates of the following conditions were also higher among those living in urban areas:

  • PTSD;
  • anger management;
  • generalized anxiety disorder.

The same was true for more serious disorders like schizophrenia and paranoia.

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

TheKonan Report

#7

There's Cities, There's Metropolises, And Then There's Tokyo

There's Cities, There's Metropolises, And Then There's Tokyo

madrid987 Report

Psychiatrists think it's because the constant stimulation of city life can put you in difficult situations where you get the fight-or-flight response, which in turn alters how you cope with stress.

But the problems don't end there. City living can also chip away at your psychological immune system, which can be precarious for those with a family history of mental illness. According to experts, this environmental stress can increase their risk of developing a psychiatric condition, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

(Oc) Hebron’s Multi-Story Borders: Ground-Level Palestinians Construct Fences Above Their Streets To Protect Themselves From Upper-Story Israeli Settlers Who Throw Trash, Furniture, And Rocks Down On Them

(Oc) Hebron’s Multi-Story Borders: Ground-Level Palestinians Construct Fences Above Their Streets To Protect Themselves From Upper-Story Israeli Settlers Who Throw Trash, Furniture, And Rocks Down On Them

glamburg Report

Add photo comments
POST
hya40 avatar
Deja Katz
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are people throwing trash and rocks down onto other people? Isn’t life hard enough?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Concrete Canyon In Manhattan

Concrete Canyon In Manhattan

Sea_Marionberry2231 Report

Add photo comments
POST
chrissydormeier avatar
Nunya Business
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never been to a city so large that the buildings block out the sun. I think I'll keep it that way.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

18000 People In A Single Building. (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

18000 People In A Single Building. (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

ValdemarAtterdag83 Report

But even though urban life may lead to emotional distress, shame and stigma can stop young adults from talking about their struggles. This may explain why they feel lonelier than older generations, according to a Cigna study. What's more, young adults, especially millennials, often feel burned out.

ADVERTISEMENT

Some folks view them as incompetent adults who shy away from responsibility, but as Anne Helen Peterson explained to Buzzfeed, millennials have "errand paralysis" and think they should always be working.

#12

Lagos, Nigeria - The Overcrowding Is Terrible

Lagos, Nigeria - The Overcrowding Is Terrible

rickrucksack Report

#14

Newly Built Housing. Samara, Russia

Newly Built Housing. Samara, Russia

Eth_kay Report

Add photo comments
POST
wandiledludlu avatar
Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never really have a problem with ugly low cost housing if it does the job it's supposed to do... Making sure a lot less people are homeless or living in shacks

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg, Russia

xtremeshaneshame Report

Add photo comments
POST
adiiantryx avatar
adiiantryx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these type of compact apartment townships are becoming quite popular throughout the world

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

City life can also affect our physical health. A 2017 study suggests too much exposure to air pollution and city noise may cause damage to a person's cardiovascular health.

For instance, never-ending traffic noise may interfere with our sleep quality and cause cortisol, the stress hormone, to spike. Over time, elevated levels of this hormone can increase our risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

#16

Do Not Show Partiality To The Poor Or Favoritism To The Great, But Judge Your Neighbor Fairly

Do Not Show Partiality To The Poor Or Favoritism To The Great, But Judge Your Neighbor Fairly

cwood1973 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ssnx01 avatar
Chich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Churches need to pay taxes. No more Dior fancy gowns for priests.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

New Residential Block In Malaysia

New Residential Block In Malaysia

userfromouterspace Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

View From The Bathroom Window, Belgrade

View From The Bathroom Window, Belgrade

longwaytotokyo Report

Add photo comments
POST
redrockinlobster avatar
Red rockin lobster
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I lived in Belgrade, I had a similar view from the bathroom. Maybe some won't understand, but for me it was nice. I knew everone who lived around, it was cosy and safe. The feeling of home, if you thought of asking for toilet paper, I'm sure someone would throw it to you through the window. The outer side od buildngs where the rooms, kitchen and living are, had an open view. Kinda miss it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Why Does Delhi Looks So Dystopian

Why Does Delhi Looks So Dystopian

im_dead_inside_69 Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend came back from Dehli and said "We could make it a better place by bombing it (not the people), rebuilding and abolishing the caste system". She's right!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

It also seems urban dwellers may be more prone to insomnia and sleep difficulties. In a survey of more than 15,000 individuals, researchers found that the bright lights of a city can dampen a person's ability to get a good night's rest.

According to the survey, 6 percent of people living in highly lit, urban areas slept less than six hours each night. Furthermore, 29 percent of these urbanites were dissatisfied with the quality of their nighttime rest.

#20

Christmas In Grimsby City Centre, UK

Christmas In Grimsby City Centre, UK

MichaelT1991 Report

#21

Infinite Amount Of Concrete…

Infinite Amount Of Concrete…

dslrhunter25 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sk_1988 avatar
JJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually this looks amazing at night. But probably only at night ...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

"Ocean Access" + Suburbs In Florida

"Ocean Access" + Suburbs In Florida

The_Will_Here Report

#23

It's Hard To Capture In Two Photos, But Here Is A Brand New KFC Sat In The Middle Of Cleared Rainforest In Malaysia, Ready For A Development To Be Built Around It

It's Hard To Capture In Two Photos, But Here Is A Brand New KFC Sat In The Middle Of Cleared Rainforest In Malaysia, Ready For A Development To Be Built Around It

ROFLMFAO Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lets hack down lovely rainforest, who needs orangutans, and sell shitty food. Way better /s FU*K

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Trying To Cross The Street? Bummer. The Street Is Only For Cars. Tehran

Trying To Cross The Street? Bummer. The Street Is Only For Cars. Tehran

vd772 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

A Lovely Day For A Picnic...

A Lovely Day For A Picnic...

Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

Add photo comments
POST
sk_1988 avatar
JJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who grew up in a big coal and industry city in between other big coal and industry cities, I can relate and say that those small green spots and the view on industry are not as bad as this picture seems. You get used to it and if you move, you kind of even miss it. It has some weird sense of peace.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Each Of Those Houses With A Garden Are £1+ Million. The Grass In All Gardens Is Astroturf

Each Of Those Houses With A Garden Are £1+ Million. The Grass In All Gardens Is Astroturf

solid_flake Report

#27

A Homeless Man Sleeps Next To A 50 Gallon Drum Of Burning Scavenged Wood In Front Of The World Trade Center Under Construction, New York City, 1970

A Homeless Man Sleeps Next To A 50 Gallon Drum Of Burning Scavenged Wood In Front Of The World Trade Center Under Construction, New York City, 1970

biwook Report

Add photo comments
POST
saharan_sand avatar
Slick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, those huge blocks of concrete for housing beats this any day, i feel like...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Vorkuta, Russia. The Coldest City In Europe (Lowest Temperature Ever Recorded At -52 C)

Vorkuta, Russia. The Coldest City In Europe (Lowest Temperature Ever Recorded At -52 C)

informationtiger Report

#31

Advertisement On A Commercial Building, South Korea

Advertisement On A Commercial Building, South Korea

Saltedline Report

#32

One Of The Worst Traffic And Pollution In The World. Tehran, Iran

One Of The Worst Traffic And Pollution In The World. Tehran, Iran

vd772 Report

#33

I Just Want To Get To The Other Side Of The Highway Man

I Just Want To Get To The Other Side Of The Highway Man

hannannanas Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the Netherlands it's the other way round. You can get anywhere in a city in 5 minutes by bicycle, but it will take you 30 minutes by car to get there.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

A Spiral Parking Lot Somewhere In Chongqing, China

A Spiral Parking Lot Somewhere In Chongqing, China

oddprophet63 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#35

Duisburg, Also Known As The Ugliest City In Germany

Duisburg, Also Known As The Ugliest City In Germany

nickinthelab Report

Add photo comments
POST
dersebbl avatar
der sebbl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Duisburg the ugliest city of Germany? I am German and let me tell you: there are several worse cities

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

The Entrance To A Shopping Mall That Is Still Alive And Well, Despite The Visual Evidence To The Contrary

The Entrance To A Shopping Mall That Is Still Alive And Well, Despite The Visual Evidence To The Contrary

Schlicktenstein Report

Add photo comments
POST
cwolf1 avatar
GoodWolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a video game. I'm sure there are zombies around somewhere.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

One More Lane Will Solve This. Cairo

One More Lane Will Solve This. Cairo

vd772 Report

Add photo comments
POST
agrignon avatar
Tristan Kenyon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The sign says Carve Your Getaway. , Yup gonna need to carve out of that traffic 🙄

View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

An Apartment In Istanbul Is Attached To Another Building

An Apartment In Istanbul Is Attached To Another Building

-FaZe- Report

Add photo comments
POST
hya40 avatar
Deja Katz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf? What about the people already living there who now have a wall against their windows?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Abu Eir, Alexandria, Egypt

Abu Eir, Alexandria, Egypt

Woofers_MacBarkFloof Report

#40

White And Beige Nebraska *oc

White And Beige Nebraska *oc

Ragingredblue Report

Note: this post originally had 85 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.