Images: finding, using and referencing

Images are often protected by copyright laws, which can restrict their use or reuse in your work. Using a copyrighted image without permission can pose financial risks so it is always necessary to check the licence of an image you wish to use. Even when the licence permits use or reuse, it is essential to credit the creators of the images you use by following referencing guidelines for your discipline (see Referencing images). This not only respects their intellectual property but also upholds the academic integrity required at university.

It is also crucial to recognise that images carry specific meanings and associations, which can vary widely among individuals and across cultures. For example, the "dress colour" debate of 2015 highlighted how a simple topic like colour can evoke strong emotions. Given this, it's important to understand that the content of any image may be perceived or interpreted differently by different people, especially in relation to religion, politics or culture.

Image: Roman Originals, taken from the New York Post, 2017

Evaluating the trustworthiness of images online is crucial, especially with the rise of AI-generated content. Here are some tips to help you assess the reliability of images:

1. Check the source: Verify the source of the image. Trusted news outlets, official websites, and reputable organisations are more likely to provide accurate images. Be cautious with images from unknown or unverified sources.
2. Examine the metadata: Metadata embedded in images can provide information about the image's origin, including the date, location, and device used to capture it. Tools like Exif Viewer can help you access this data.
3. Perform a reverse image search: Use reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye to find the original source of the image. This can help you determine if the image has been altered or taken out of context.
4. Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to details such as lighting, shadows, and reflections. Inconsistencies in these elements can indicate that an image has been manipulated.
5. Check for watermarks and text: Watermarks, logos, or text overlays can provide clues about the image's authenticity. Be wary of images with poorly placed or edited watermarks.
6. Analyse the context: Consider the context in which the image is presented. Images can be misleading if taken out of context or used to support false claims. Cross-reference with other sources to verify the context.

In some instances it may be helpful and appropriate to use AI detection tools. These tools can detect manipulated images and deepfakes by analysing images for signs of tampering and provide a reliability score. 

Image: Jorgensen, 1945, 'Kissing the war goodbye.'

Some images are deemed iconic - think about the problems or key questions that arise from this type of labelling. 

Some things to consider might be:

• to identify if the image is from a credible source
• what does the metadata (the information about the image) tell you?
• do you make assumptions about the image based on your own cultural background and experience?
  • How does this change the meaning of the image?