Images used to represent accounts on the social media platform that do not reflect the identity of the user are often deployed for a variety of reasons. These can range from maintaining anonymity to misrepresenting oneself for deceptive purposes. Such images are often sourced from stock photography, other individuals’ profiles, or are generated through artificial means. For example, an individual might utilize a picture of a model found online instead of their own likeness to create a fabricated persona.
The proliferation of these deceptive visuals has significant implications for online trust and security. They can facilitate scams, the spread of misinformation, and harassment, impacting the platform’s user experience and potentially damaging reputations. Historically, reliance on visual cues to verify identity online has made social media susceptible to manipulation via this specific method. Addressing the issue is beneficial to foster authenticity and deter malicious activity on the platform.
