What problem occurs when a static image is shown on a display for an extended period?

When a static image is displayed on a screen for an extended period, the phenomenon known as burn-in can occur. This happens mainly with older display technologies, such as CRTs and certain types of OLED screens, where the pixels responsible for rendering the static image become permanently altered or imprinted. As a result, after the static content is no longer displayed, a faint ghost of that image can still be seen on the screen, which can be distracting or reduce the overall quality of the display.

Burn-in is particularly concerning for displays that frequently show interface elements, like logos or menu icons, for prolonged periods. The areas of the screen exhibiting the static image can wear out faster than the surrounding pixels, leading to uneven aging and a visible shadow of the initial image.

The other options do not accurately describe the specific issue that arises from prolonged exposure to a static image. Flashing screens, incorrect color displays, and fuzzy images have different causes and implications unrelated to the phenomenon of burn-in. Therefore, identifying burn-in as the issue highlights the importance of managing screen content and diversifying what is displayed to prevent long-term damage to the display.