Spot the frame

Identify the frames shaping how people see things.

The mayor’s office plans to expand camera networks throughout your neighborhood. How do you respond to that? What concerns or questions come up?

Now the same expansion is framed as a way to reduce break-ins and help solve cases faster. Does your reaction change?

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Frames shape how we interpret the world by highlighting some aspects of a situation and hiding others. We often accept information as it is framed unless we stop to question it. That leaves us open to manipulation from politicians, advertisers, debaters, and the media. To guard against this, approach information like a detective: spot the frames guiding your perception and think critically about what’s hidden. Learn more about frames here.

Recognizing frames helps us see multiple angles, look past the surface, and gain a clearer view of reality. This builds a more balanced perspective, greater self-awareness, and better-informed decisions that align with our purpose, values, and goals.

Spotting frames is like checking your glasses to see how they shape your view.

Questions to spot the frame

You might notice frames in meetings, debates, articles, or news stories. To uncover them, ask: how is the subject being presented? Use the questions below to spot the frame.

🤔 What values or needs does the frame highlight?

Notice the underlying values or needs. A story about climate change might emphasize protecting future generations (responsibility) or threats to personal freedom (autonomy).

🤔 What associations are triggered?

Look for words, images, and metaphors that trigger the associations that shape interpretation. A “slippery slope” suggests danger; a “breakthrough” signals opportunity.

🤔 What outcome does the frame highlight?

Check whether the frame emphasizes gains, losses, opportunities, or threats. A health campaign might warn about cancer risk (loss) or spotlight the health benefits of quitting (gain). Immigration can be framed as adding diversity (opportunity) or endangering culture (threat).

🤔 What moral principles does the frame emphasize?

Frames can point to care, dignity, or the avoidance of harm. Consider how moral norms are used to sway judgment. A story about euthanasia might frame it as a compassionate choice or as morally wrong.

🤔 Who or what is made responsible by the frame?

Frames can assign blame or credit. Climate change might be framed as the result of human activity, while a public health campaign might highlight healthcare workers as heroes. Ask how you or your group are positioned by the frame.

🤔 What information is hidden or downplayed?

Frames leave things out. A news story might focus on violent protests but omit peaceful demonstrations. Spotting what’s missing gives a fuller picture.

🤔 What action or response does the frame encourage?

Frames often suggest what you should do, from policy support to personal behavior. Climate change might be framed as demanding policy changes, or as a matter of personal lifestyle choices.

🤔 Who stands to gain from this frame?

Notice whose interests are served. Marketing, news coverage, and political messaging often favor particular outcomes. A marketing campaign emphasizing the dangers of a competitor’s product benefits the company promoting its own product.

🤔 Am I reacting to the frame or the facts?

Ask yourself whether your reactions are driven by the way information is framed or by the facts themselves. Frames highlight some points, downplay others, and influence your response. Separating frame from fact gives you a clearer view.

Reflect and act

After exploring these questions, notice what was highlighted, downplayed, or implied. Who is positioned as responsible or heroic? Whose interests are served?

Then ask:

👉 How do I know this is true?

Check whether the information is backed by evidence or if your reaction comes mainly from the frame.

👉  What crucial details am I overlooking?

Frames highlight some facts and hide others. Spotting what’s missing gives a fuller picture.

👉 What else could this mean?

Consider alternative interpretations. Frames push one perspective, but the facts may support several.

👉 Am I jumping to conclusions? 

Frames can push quick judgments. Slowing down helps you see the situation clearly.

👉 Is moral pressure being used to manipulate me?

Frames appeal to emotions or ethical norms. Noticing this separates persuasion from reasoning.

👉 Which assumptions am I taking for granted?

Frames rely on implicit assumptions. Questioning them prevents automatic acceptance.

👉 Am I falling into confirmation bias?

Frames often reinforce what we already believe. Awareness helps you evaluate the information objectively.  

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The same situation can be framed in very different ways. Spotting frames lets you see the facts clearly, think critically, and choose your response.

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