How does text effect the meaning of an image

As soon as you add text to an image, straight away you change the effect it will have on your audience. Maybe for the best or visa versa. Generally, we use text on an image to give information. To inform the viewer of what is happening, or happened. Also visual heir achy comes into play. What do you want the viewer to pay attention to, the image or the text?
How big is the text?
What colour is the text?
Is it bold?
Is it subtle?
All of these have a different effect on the overall outcome. It isn't just the case of slapping a word in the corner. It is thought through. However, be real with it. Shocking images generally don't need any text, it will be pretty straight forward as to what is already happening.

The type on this image effects the image in a way in how it helps the viewer relate to it generating emotion. It brings meaning to the photograph. Whatever you put on the photo, that is going to be the story the viewer looks in to. Nothing else. So I look at this image and I feel sorry for the poor guy, he just wants to forget something. I only know that because of the type, without the type I would probably be jealous of him. He is in a beautiful location, by the sea, he seems to be free from issues, bills etc! Nothing between him and the great ocean. So by adding type, you are restricting the viewer from seeing a bigger picture. Good thing or a bad thing? Well it completely depends on what you want the viewer to see, as a Visual artist, this is your power. Superman can fly, Spiderman can make webs and catch bad guys, Johnny Bravo can pull extremely hot cartoon chicks! We can make people see what only we want them to see.

Selfish??

I don't think so.