By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Every day, we encounter a flood of online images, from social media feeds to search engine results. With over 6 hours a day spent online, these visuals dominate our daily experience. Surprisingly, recent research suggests that this visual overload isn’t merely passive—it actively influences how we perceive the world, altering implicit biases and shaping our beliefs.
Our digital landscape is overflowing with images, which research shows can reinforce stereotypes. For instance, a recent study examined Google and IMDB search results for various occupations. When users searched terms like "CEO" or "TV reporter," results skewed heavily toward male representations. Conversely, searches like "housekeeper" or "nurse" predominantly displayed women. This distribution isn’t trivial—it reinforces long-standing gender biases. When people see certain images repeatedly, they internalize these visuals, subconsciously associating specific roles with specific genders or ethnicities. This visual association becomes a subtle form of social conditioning, shaping our implicit beliefs. According to Amanda Ruggeri’s exploration of media influence, "The more biased images we consume, the more implicitly biased we become ourselves."
A 2023 study provides insight into this process. Researchers divided participants into groups that searched occupations on Google using either text or images. Afterward, participants took an implicit association test to measure subconscious bias. Those who used image searches displayed much higher implicit biases than those who used text-based queries. These findings demonstrate that images are especially powerful in triggering internal biases, which linger longer in our minds. Such bias is further compounded by AI algorithms, which train on existing images. These models, like those in ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, often reflect and amplify biases from prior images. As a result, when we rely on these AI tools, we may inadvertently absorb biases embedded in the technology, reinforcing a feedback loop that sustains stereotypes.
Given the influence of images on our subconscious, what can be done to minimize their impact? Technology companies hold a significant responsibility in promoting diverse, accurate representations. However, individuals can also take proactive steps. Curating social media feeds to include diverse voices and perspectives can help disrupt our “echo chambers.” Search phrasing adjustments can also lead to broader, more inclusive results, allowing us to consciously challenge stereotypes. One effective strategy is a “digital detox.” In The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting It Consume You, Marine Tanguy recommends setting app time limits, removing unused apps, and embracing tech-free moments to reconnect with real-world perspectives. These practices help to reduce screen time and exposure to biased content.
Visual culture has changed drastically. Historically, humans spent most of their time looking at their environment and each other, not artificial images on screens. Today, however, the prevalence of digital images is unprecedented, affecting our worldview in profound, often unnoticed ways.
To regain balance, it’s essential to be aware of the impact images have on our perceptions. With mindful consumption and intentional curation, we can protect ourselves from the biases embedded within visual media and foster a more informed, unbiased perspective. Ultimately, taking control of our digital diet—by managing what we see and how often we see it—can lead to healthier, more objective views in an increasingly image-driven society.
