The photographs discussed in the TED Talk and shown in the article had significant social impacts and helped shape public opinion on important issues. The "tank man" photo from Tiananmen Square exposed the world to China's human rights abuses. The "Migrant Mother" photo from the Great Depression brought attention to the struggles of farmers. And the photo of the dead Syrian boy on a beach heightened awareness of the refugee crisis. These photos had far reaching influence by spreading mass awareness through media and shifting perspectives on crucial social issues.