A fake photo of a near-Pentagon explosion once shook the stock market. The video of a young “Ukrainian Conscript” crying in fear went viral, until it was revealed to be staged. We are approaching a ‘synthetic tipping point’ where AI-generated videos and images are so real that they are rapidly erasing traditional markers of authenticity such as visual flaws.
By 2025 70% of the population will struggle to believe online information and 64% are concerned that AI-generated content may influence elections. We have entered a new era in which seeing is not believing.
Learning to decode the media critically is essential to safeguarding democracy, truth and trust in such a society. The “Visual Thinking Strategies”, originally developed for Art Education, provides a powerful but simple framework to navigate today’s complex media environment.
The questions are based around three open-ended statements about a visual medium (like a photograph, painting or video).
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What is going on in the picture?
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What is it that you saw that made you say this?
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What else can we find out?
The questions encourage people to observe more carefully, justify their interpretations and slow down. This approach involves more than just looking; it also requires that you think together.
The process is usually done in groups, with a facilitator who connects the ideas of participants and paraphrases them. Participants listen and share observations from others, then build on their contributions. They also challenge assumptions, and refine the thinking. This process exposes biases and encourages critical engagement.
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If you were shown a photo of a protest, and asked what you saw, you would say “It looked like a Climate March.” When asked to explain, “what do you see that makes you think it’s a Climate March?” you would point out the signs. Other people notice the police, the crowd’s age, or the location.
The group starts to look at the image in a variety of ways as the discussion progresses. This is the approach that’s required in an age of manipulated imagery and political polarisation.
This strategy does not guarantee the “truth”. It cultivates habits that resist manipulation, such as curiosity, evidence-based thinking and tolerance for ambiguity. The structure of the question – particularly the second one, which is meant to provoke critical analysis – requires that they explain their reasoning, even if it’s not in good faith. This allows others to clarify, reframe and question.
In the early 1990s, classroom observations revealed that students carried their reasoning habits outside of the art classes, asking “What’s happening in this text?” and “in this mathematics problem?” Students internalise the protocol, and apply it intuitively in other activities.
Why this is important now
Visual thinking strategies have positive implications for not only media literacy but also for fostering dialogue and decision-making in divided societies.
Polarisation is a product of certainty and echo chambers. This strategy allows for a range of interpretations, and encourages respectful disagreement. It is the type of dialogue that democratic societies require. Participants are encouraged to consider different viewpoints, and to revise the way they think when new information is revealed. This technique helps to rebuild trust by showing people how to disagree in a constructive way.
Empathy is a valuable asset in a world of mass migration, climate crisis, cultural conflict, and increasing inequality. It’s not only a virtue, but a strategy for social cohesion and education. By interpreting images reflecting diverse worldviews and experiences, people can learn to navigate these issues by stepping into the other person’s shoes.
Leaders and policymakers are increasingly using visual data, such as infographics, maps and dashboards. This trend is acknowledged by organisations such as World Bank , OECD and United Nations. Visual literacy is not taught in the business and political science curriculum, despite an increasing use of visual material .
Benefits extend to all fields that rely on visual data to drive critical actions, such as humanitarian organisations analysing satellite imagery for tracking displacement or climate scientists analysing models of environmental impact. It can be used as a tool to teach teams how to spot patterns, challenge assumptions, and uncover alternative perspectives. This will lead to more informed and equitable outcomes.
We need tools to help us communicate clearly, think clearly and work across differences as AI, climate disruption and economic disruptions reshape society. This tool does not require expensive technology or a background in art. It only requires a willingness and ability to listen, look, and learn. It cultivates curiosity, humility, and critical thinking, which are all qualities our world desperately needs.
Try it for yourself
Look at the picture above for a few seconds. Ask:
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What is happening in this image? What is your first impression of this picture? Is it a protest or not? Is this a moment of mourning or celebration? A moment of mourning?
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What did you see to make you say this? Take a closer look. You may be concentrating on the clothes. Are you concentrating on the clothing or the facial expressions? Are you familiar with the language of the signs?
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What else can we find out? What is happening in the background? Who’s included, and who could be missing? There are many people. What assumptions do you make about the people? Why?
The image depicts indigenous activists and students forcing their way through security at the COP30 venue, Belem in Brazil, on 11 November 2025. The students and activists clashed at the entrance with security staff while demanding better climate action and protection of indigenous land. These questions, along with others that you may ask, will help you better understand the image and enhance your understanding.
It’s not about getting the “right” answer. Slow down, notice more and explain your reasoning. You can do this with a group. Others may see what you missed or challenge your interpretation. Together you will all see things more clearly.
Shaun Nolan has not disclosed any relevant affiliations other than their academic appointment.
