Shallow Images vs Deep Images

There are some images you’ll have to think about more than others. To help you determine which images you should pay critical attention to, the DIG method sorts them into two categories: shallow and deep. 

A shallow image is an image that doesn’t have a deeper meaning. Its primary purpose is to entertain the viewer. Some examples of shallow images are:

• Travel, food, or event photography
• Simple memes and reaction images/GIFs
• Personal social media posts

A deep image is the opposite: its meaning is all beneath the surface, inviting you to dig deeper. Their purpose is to persuade, to sell, to manipulate, to inform, or to misinform. Some examples of deep images are:

• News photographs
• Advertising photos or graphics
• Images being used to argue a point

It’s very important to consider images carefully; many deep images disguise themselves as shallow ones. Memes may argue a point or even cross into propaganda. Many social media endorsements, like the example below, may appear shallow as you’re scrolling past them. Always try to check the context, composition, and purpose of a photo or other image before writing it off.

Screenshot from Instagram "Kim Kardashian Flat Tummy Advertisement, Taken December 2023, Twitter Post

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