The problem with loading images on websites is that it can significantly impact page performance, causing delays and freezing issues. To optimize image loading, developers can switch from JPEG to modern formats like AVIF and WebP, which produce smaller files and support transparency. There are also options for generating images at build time or on demand through APIs, using third-party services, and properly sizing images to reduce the load on the browser's main UI thread. Additionally, using a `<picture>` element instead of just an `<img>` tag can help specify multiple formats and resolutions, while choosing lazy loading can improve the First Paint and Load Time Core Web Vitals scores. By applying these image optimizations, developers can significantly improve their website's performance and reduce page load times.