Beyond the frame—The Context Bias
Which of these pink circles looks bigger to you?
This is the Ebbinghaus illusion. Those pink circles might look different in size, but they’re actually the same.
Our brains get tricked by context—the surrounding circles make one seem larger than the other. When you remove the context, suddenly, they look the same.
Try the next one.
Which letter do you think it is: /-\
Your answer will depend on context, whether you see it sandwiched between “C” and “T”, or between “T” and “E”:
C/-\T
T/-\E
Our mind rushes to form the word CAT or THE with the same shape.
It’s easy to think that these tricks only happen in puzzles, but context affects how we see ourselves and make decisions every day.
How does context shape our perception?
Your brain is always on the lookout for context clues to help you understand situations, even if it means bending the truth a little.
A few real-life examples:
You walk out of a rom-com and bump into someone—it’s easy to imagine a “meet-cute” moment with romance in the air.
If you’re fresh from an action movie, the world feels a little more intense and risky.
And if you’re holding a warm drink on a date, research shows you might feel warmer toward that person (yep, all thanks to the coffee mug!).
Now, this context effect can go beyond just feelings. It can make us question ourselves, too. We fall for social comparison.
You start feeling like you’re falling behind in life just because your friend or colleague is doing something “better” than you. Before you know it, context bias takes you down a rabbit hole of doubts and dissatisfaction.
So how to beat the context bias?
You have two ways to minimize the impact of context bias—through external awareness and internal progress.
1. External awareness: The movie mindset
If you’re feeling unsure or doubtful, try taking a step back and look at your situation like an outsider.
Imagine you’re watching a scene in a movie, and the main character is in the same situation as you. What’s he or she doing wrong? What factors are likely to influence her judgment? 🤔
It’s always easier to see the biases and mistakes in someone else’s decisions. This “movie” mindset lets you spot the context clues affecting your perception.
For example:
Social settings: Let’s say you’re on a date, sipping a warm drink. Remember that warmth can influence your feelings. If you want to be truly sure about how you feel about the person, try a cold drink instead!
Career comparisons: Do you feel “behind” after catching up with an old classmate who’s moved up the ranks? Recognize the comparison trap—it’s the context bias feeding your insecurity.
Personal accomplishments: Do you feel less fit after scrolling through a friend’s workout post? Maybe it’s time to see the bigger picture instead of zeroing in on others’ progress.
2. Internal progress: Moving out of the comfort zone mindset
Step out of your comfort zone just a teeny bit and set yourself a milestone. Achieving self-goals is the best confidence booster.
Let's say you feel you can never run. Make the effort to lace up your shoes and go for a 1k run. The rush of adrenaline afterward will give you the energy and optimism that you didn't know you had before. If you can run a 1k, then maybe with practice, one day you can run a marathon.
No point in comparing yourself to others. Your internal progress changes your context from social comparison to self-comparison from your past self.
The right context: Progress over comparison
In the end, the best context is the one you set for yourself. Being aware of when context bias kicks in lets you catch those feelings of self-doubt before they spiral. And turning that focus inward, by setting goals that match your own progress, helps you define success on your own terms.
So, the next time you feel stuck in comparison mode, pause and ask yourself: What’s the context influencing how I feel right now?
The best progress isn’t measured by where you stand next to someone else—it’s how far you’ve come on your own journey.