Discovering Image Usage Online: A Case Study With "Flatten the Curve''

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the 'Flatten the Curve' image spread across the web during COVID-19 using reverse image search, social media, and web archives, revealing patterns of reuse and popularity over time.

Contribution

It introduces a methodology for tracking image dissemination online through multiple information channels, focusing on a specific COVID-19 graphic as a case study.

Findings

Reverse image search reveals current image reuse patterns.

Social media data shows the popularity trend of image variants.

Web archives indicate the historical preservation and dissemination timeline.

Abstract

Understanding the spread of images across the web helps us understand the reuse of scientific visualizations and their relationship with the public. The "Flatten the Curve" graphic was heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic to convey a complex concept in a simple form. It displays two curves comparing the impact on case loads for medical facilities if the populace either adopts or fails to adopt protective measures during a pandemic. We use five variants of the "Flatten the Curve" image as a case study for viewing the spread of an image online. To evaluate its spread, we leverage three information channels: reverse image search engines, social media, and web archives. Reverse image searches give us a current view into image reuse. Social media helps us understand a variant's popularity over time. Web archives help us see when it was preserved, highlighting a view of popularity for future researchers. Our case study leverages document URLs can be used as a proxy for images when studying the spread of images online.