>>23because it could be a bad image
also, I know imgur doesn't do this, but with a .jpg link, it could actually correspond to a different kind of file, if you set up a 301 redirect, so that it would take you to a page that actually has like a monero javascript miner, or a flash-based exploit kit that will try to give you ransomware, or a javascript-based tech support scam that spawns indefinite popup windows (so that there's one underneath when you try to close it) that slow your computer down and it tells you to call a tech support number
there are many ways to get malware simply by visiting a website, and some of them are cross-platform, though others are platform-specific
the ``dude it's just a link'' thing doesn't matter, the web can be dangerous
