A new study highlights how the deluge of online images may be subtly shaping our perceptions, revealing that search engine imagery is reinforcing gender stereotypes in a way that text-based searches do not. As more than 6 hours a day is spent online on average, visual input from social media feeds, websites, and digital ads contributes to a cycle that may be increasing implicit biases in society.

The recent research analyzed image search results for various occupations on platforms like Google, Wikipedia, and IMDb. It found that images were overwhelmingly gendered, particularly in fields historically viewed as male- or female-dominated. For example, searches for “heart surgeon,” “investment banker,” or “developer” predominantly returned images of men, while terms like “housekeeper” and “nurse practitioner” were associated almost exclusively with women.

The study went beyond just measuring bias in search results. Researchers conducted an experiment where 423 U.S. participants used Google to search for occupations, with some participants receiving visual representations through Google Images while others used text-based Google News searches. Those exposed to image results displayed a marked increase in implicit gender biases, as measured by a standard association test, even days after the experiment. The findings highlight the impact of image-heavy platforms like Instagram and TikTok in normalizing biased visuals, raising concerns that the sheer volume of gender-stereotyped images might be entrenching outdated perceptions.

Vicious Cycle of AI and Bias

The problem extends to AI models, which are trained on vast repositories of online content, including stereotyped images. When users ask AI platforms like ChatGPT to visualize various professions, they often receive outputs that reflect existing biases. A request for images of “doctor” or “scientist,” for example, may yield predominantly white male figures, reinforcing societal stereotypes. Similarly, descriptors such as “successful” or “smart” also skew heavily towards images of white men, reflecting the biases embedded in the data used to train these systems.

The study’s authors warn that this cycle could worsen as AI tools continue to rely on biased online content. “The rise of images in popular internet culture may come at a critical social cost,” they write, noting that these biases not only influence AI outputs but also shape user perceptions. The more biased imagery we encounter, the more normalized these stereotypes become, perpetuating a feedback loop of implicit bias.

Seeking Solutions and Reclaiming Visual Space

Amid growing concerns, experts point to several solutions to mitigate the spread of biased visual content. Technology companies bear much responsibility, though attempts to address the issue have sometimes led to overcorrections. Google’s AI tool Gemini, for instance, has been criticized for inserting diversity where it historically wouldn’t exist, sometimes producing historically inaccurate imagery. Yet, even with the best intentions, fixing ingrained biases remains a challenge for tech firms.

One approach recommended for individuals is to curate their social media feeds to follow diverse creators and photographers from around the world. Another option is the “digital detox,” as outlined in art entrepreneur Marine Tanguy’s The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting It Consume You, which suggests limiting screen time and reclaiming time away from devices. Tanguy advocates setting daily app timers, deleting unused apps, and spending time outdoors to reduce reliance on screens.

Perhaps most importantly, experts stress the value of self-awareness in understanding how digital imagery influences our beliefs and perceptions. Unlike previous generations, modern users encounter a constant stream of images that subtly shape their worldviews. For much of human history, art and visual media were limited, yet today’s image-saturated environment is altering how we see others and ourselves, often without conscious realization.

As visual culture continues to expand online, recognizing these subtle influences may be crucial in building a more balanced and less biased digital world.

As daylight savings time comes to an end, parents of young children may find themselves anxious about how the shift will disrupt their baby’s sleep schedules. Research indicates that the transition can be challenging for infants and toddlers, as their biological clocks require time to adjust, much like adults.

Dr. Pamela Douglas, a general practitioner and sleep researcher from Australia, emphasizes that even though mechanical clocks change immediately, the body’s internal clock takes longer to adapt. A study analyzing the sleep patterns of over 600 children following the spring clock change revealed that toddlers aged one to two years took an average of three days to return to their original bedtime, while infants under one experienced an adjustment period of about eight days. Additionally, the shift affected morning wake times, with some age groups losing an hour of sleep in the days following the transition. Notably, infants aged six to 11 months experienced a reduction in nighttime sleep of seven to 15 minutes, even four weeks post-adjustment.

Despite the slight reduction in nighttime sleep, experts from organizations such as the National Sleep Foundation stress that this loss is minimal compared to the total sleep recommended for infants, which ranges from 12 to 15 hours in a 24-hour period for those aged four to 11 months.

It is important to recognize that infants’ sleep patterns are inherently flexible. The notion of adhering to rigid sleep schedules is a relatively modern concept. In many pre-industrial societies, children often sleep with caregivers or drift off in their arms without a fixed bedtime routine. For example, a study of Maya families in Guatemala noted that babies would simply fall asleep when tired, alongside the rest of the family.

The impact of seasonal changes on sleep patterns also warrants attention. Research has shown that humans naturally tend to sleep longer in winter and shorter in summer. A study of foraging societies indicates that nighttime sleep duration can vary by nearly an hour between seasons, with winter sleep averaging 53 to 56 minutes longer. Although industrial societies experience less dramatic seasonal changes, they still feel some effects; for instance, a study of medical students in Berlin found that winter sleep duration increased by approximately 18 minutes compared to summer.

Moreover, studies have indicated that babies older than 10 weeks can also experience changes in sleep quality with the seasons. In autumn, eight-month-olds may enjoy less fragmented sleep and more slow-wave sleep compared to spring. In another study involving both eight-month-olds and 24-month-olds, researchers noted increased rhythmic brain activity during non-rapid eye movement sleep during the autumn months.

As parents navigate the upcoming clock change, understanding these sleep dynamics may help ease the transition for both themselves and their children.