Portraits of Reality: Social Issues Through Photos of People

Depicting Realities: Social Issues Through Stock Photos of People

Visual representation is important for raising awareness of social problems. By showing real-life situations through images of people, we can shed light on important issues such as poverty, homelessness, discrimination, climate change, and social media addiction.

This article lists some of the most common social problems and suggests which pictures can be used to illustrate them and provoke thought. Continue reading to learn more! 

Where to find free stock images of people

Free people pictures can be found on stock content marketplaces like Depositphotos. On the website, you can browse high-resolution, royalty-free pictures that can be legally used in an article, blog post, social media content, presentation, or socially significant project.

Depositphotos has 270M+ high-quality files, so you can find the perfect image to accompany your message. The platform offers handy text and visual searches, as well as many filters to narrow down your search. Furthermore, you can also browse ready-made photo collections to save time.

6 major social problems in the world + stock images of people

1. Poverty

Poverty is a major social problem that can lead to a lack of access to basic necessities, such as clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare. About eight percent of the global population lives in conditions of extreme poverty. This means that approximately 648 million people globally live on less than $2.15 a day. While these statistics show improvement over the past decades, this is still a staggering number that underscores the need for urgent action.

To spread awareness about this issue, you can use pictures and stories to help convey the harsh realities faced by those living in extreme poverty. For your projects, choose photos of people begging for money on the streets, their living conditions, and the lack of access to clean water and food.

FAQ: What is the largest social problem in our society?

Violence is one of the biggest social problems in modern society. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in every four women and one in every seven men have experienced serious physical abuse (e.g., beating or strangling) from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

2. Homelessness

The United Nations reports 100 million homeless people worldwide. In addition, up to 1.6 billion people do not have adequate housing and, therefore, live in slums. Lack of adequate housing can contribute to a multitude of other social issues. These include poverty, poor health conditions, social discrimination, and a lack of access to education and employment opportunities.

The best way to educate people about this issue is through raising awareness, advocating for affordable housing policies, and providing support for those experiencing homelessness. For your social campaigns, use photos of people living on the street or in slums to show the real impact of inadequate housing.

FAQ: What is the main social problem in the world today?

The global housing crisis is one of the main social problems in the world today. It affects millions of people and families worldwide, leading to poverty, inequality, and a lack of basic human rights. To solve this problem, governments must allocate more resources towards affordable housing programs.

3. Discrimination

Social discrimination is defined as prejudice against individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived characteristics. These may include race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, medical condition, or socioeconomic status. 

According to the UN report, every sixth person in the world faces discrimination on any grounds. Racism, based on ethnicity, color, or language, is one of the most prevalent reasons for discrimination against both men and women.

Photos showing the consequences of social discrimination can help raise awareness and inspire action to combat this injustice.

FAQ: What are the three biggest social problems in society?

Violence, poverty, and inequality are the three biggest social problems in society. These issues are often interconnected, as marginalized groups are more likely to experience discrimination and face higher rates of violence and poverty.

4. Child labor

Child labor is a global problem linked to poverty and inequality. In Brazil alone, 1.9 million children and teens between the ages of 5 and 17 were involved in child labor in 2022. Children are often forced to work in dangerous conditions for low pay, depriving them of the opportunity to go to school and get an education.

Showcase the concept of child labor in your social campaigns and projects by using pictures that show the harsh realities these children face. Include real-life stories and statistics to raise awareness about this issue.

5. Climate change

Over the past decade, climate change has become a growing concern around the world. All because the average global temperature has increased by 1.2° Celsius, or 34.16° Fahrenheit, since the pre-industrial era. Such a drastic change can lead to water scarcity, food insecurity, and the displacement of communities.

To inspire action, choose a picture of people who have faced extreme weather events due to climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. Highlight their stories to show the devastating impact climate change can have on people. 

6. Social media addiction

Last but not least is social media addiction, which can have a detrimental effect on a person's mental health and relationships. It is reported that 33.19 million Americans, or 10% of the US population, are addicted to social media. Many of these people experience cyberbullying, anxiety, and a constant need for validation.

To overcome this problem, teach people how to create healthier relationships with social media. In your projects, use visuals that show negative consequences like depression, isolation, and strained relationships to emphasize the harmful effects of social media addiction. 

FAQ: What are some unknown global issues?

Many unknown global issues are not widely discussed or understood. These include the spread of false ideas on social media, threats to refugees, immigration restrictions, ocean acidification, and wild animals suffering from the effects of human activities.

Bottom line

Remember, visualizing global problems is just as important as discussing them. In this case, free stock photos can be used to effectively portray social issues, help draw attention to them, and inspire others to take action. Real-life photography is a powerful tool for raising awareness and advocating for change towards a better future for all.