Yeah this is always something that has bothered me. Profile image bias is 100% a thing. But if you don't have an image on LinkedIn or put a generic image (of your dog or something) then it hurts you in job searches.

People will deny that it hurts you, but I guarantee it does. I've been in many meetings where people make comments about weird photos like that which portray you negatively.

So I have accepted it as a necessary evil. If you have to have a profile image and its going to represent you, then make it as professional as possible. Don't go for goofy or silly, just be professional and boring and its the best look.