this post was submitted on 30 Mar 2024
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But the idea isn't to keep anyone from seeing it. The idea is simply for a lusty image not to be used in academic papers (probably also better that it's not used in college classes too).
I love pictures of scantily clad women more than almost anyone. But even I can agree that the Lena image sends the wrong message to women joining the field.
It's not a lusty image if nobody knows what the full picture looks like. Hence the reference to the Streisand effect.
What I'm not seeing in this thread is the reason why this picture is so over used.
One reason is that it's the perfect image to test graphics manipulation algorithms like compression for example. It has all the characteristics you want to check for: various textures, gradients, lightening... It's like the benchy (3d printing) of image compression.
The other reason is that once it established itself as the reference image, it was easier for researchers to compare algorithms and make sure the author doesn't cheat by cherry picking a picture where his algorithm is clearly better.
Researchers were used to see the common pitfalls of compressions algorithms on this image (the fur for example).
That's fair and you are right, but I'm also pointing out a side effect this is causing. I find it interesting is all.