Earlier Seen, More Often Chosen: Image Loading Speed as a Potential Seed of Hidden Manipulation

Choice interfaces may appear neutral even when subtle presentation differences bias user behavior. This paper investigates whether image loading speed can influence choices in image-based selection interfaces. We conducted two crowdsourcing experiments using different presentation formats: sequential top-to-bottom loading and progressive resolution improvement. In both experiments, multiple image options were shown in visually equivalent layouts, while one option became visually available earlier than the others. The results showed that earlier-loading options were selected more frequently than expected in both formats. Although the effects were modest, they were consistent across experiments. We also discuss how differences in image presentation timing that are difficult to distinguish from ordinary loading delays may influence users’ choices without being perceived as intentional guidance.