why do you say "what do you think this is"?

[mokbon]

Hello~

This is an example
ex) what do you think it is about me?

I think it's similar as "what do you think of it".
However I want to know the nuance difference


When I want to debate about Somalia’s pirate. If there was a story in newspaper on my hand. Can I say "What do you think this is?" pointing the newspaper?

[luschen]

I am not an English teacher, but if you point at a newspaper in your hand and say "What do you think this is?" I will say "That is a newspaper"

If you point at an article or headline in the newspaper and say "What do you think about this?" I will give you my opinion on the article

Is this what you are asking?