Basically, if i can summarize the gist, it's that they being fake.
For most people, vast majority, i understand it's not a issue.
But it's just a idiosyncracy of me.
Stock photos, involving people, like the one i posted, or sometimes bunch of people working in office, eg marketing photo in hiring, in Microsoft software, in banking, etc,.
They are, basically a setup, props, with “normal” people, usually slightly above average looking, dress in socially acceptable clothing, putting on a smile, etc.
In another words, it's fake. Pretension.
Now as a marketing tool, of course, really nothing wrong.
But really, they are a form of brain washing.
Defined as something that makes u perceive or think in certain way.
Now, also note, stock photos, as mass marketing tool, does not exist before modern society. .
They exist now, became ubiquitous, more so in past 20 years.
One could link them to the downhill of today's social network irresponsible brainless clickbait fakenews phenomenon.
A somewhat a precursor, working in tandem.
Again, of all things in society, all the fakenews or pretention or lies, stock photos is not something ranking in top. e.g. As compared to egregious lies of politicians, or the rampant bots machine or human on social networks.
But however, it's similar type of thing.
Do they influence your perception when u see a stock photo? Certainly, and very much.