Share

Pixel dating

You know what I would like to be able to do: pixel dating! No, I’m not referring to two pixels having fun at the singles club; I’m talking about being able to determine the date a pixel in a digital image was last edited.  Imagine if every single pixel in a digital picture had an inherent temporal signature. A signature that would indicate the last time that specific pixel had been altered. Newer pixels from the original image would glaringly pop-up, revealing their real age, against the backdrop of the sagging and desperate "older" pixels.

It's a bit like the radiocarbon dating archaeologists use to determine the age of artefacts, only for geeks.  Elle, I would have so much fun exposing the cosmopolitan extent of the "face-lifting" done on some photos.  People would pay me copious amounts of money to expose "rejuvenated" pixels. I would live in a large penthouse like a playboy for the rest of my life.

To what end, you might ask, do I wish to possess this pixel dating skill?  I'll tell you: isn't it time we got real.  Are we that artificial and shallow that we cannot even enjoy the true reflection a photograph provides?  If I was a photographer for a fashion or glamour magazine, I would be seriously concerned if someone "washed" all the imperfections from my art.  Not to mention what the model in the photograph must feel like.

Note:  Pixels are those tiny little squares that make up a digital image.  That’s the simple explanation, for a more technical explanation Google it!

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 457 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 653 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.0%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.41
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.33
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.0%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
+1.3%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent-ruolie
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE