Lying Is More Common When We Email

An anonymous reader writes "A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers finds that using computers for instant messaging and e-mail increases lying compared to face-to-face conversations, and that e-mail messages are most likely to contain lies. At its heart, the difference is about deindividualization, where as people grow psychologically and physically further from the person they're communicating with, the likelihood of lying goes up."

Comments

Actually, the reverse

[vanyel]

I've found myself more open and honest in email, I think partly because I'm typing at the computer and not actually in the presence of the person - it's more like I'm talking to myself.

Re:No shit.

[arkenian]

I agree. I think its just easier to lie in writing, and that there is an intrinsic nature to the fact that it is indelibly recorded which makes humans more inclined to lie. I might be willing to admit to my boss off-the-record that I called in sick one day 'cuz I just didn't feel like it, as opposed to actually being sick. I'd never write it down in an e-mail, because then he'd have a written record to use against me....

Most communications are visual

[SlippyToad]

I was taught in a communications course that over 90% of the "information" in a conversation is transmitted visually. We read each others' faces and body language.

My hobby is leading a rock band. I have noticed that people really don't hear as much of what we're doing as we think we are -- they are watching how we act on stage. This became apparent when we did a multi-band show one time and though the other bands were musically just as good as we were, we got a rousing ovation because my guitarist and I were jumping around on stage and cracking jokes. And the observations from the audience overwhelmingly confirmed -- it was how we behaved that sold our performance. We were good, we knew it, and we showed it.

So when you remove that element, that body language that will tell most people if you actually buy the bullshit you're selling, it frees you to sell far more bullshit.

Sociopaths and social manipulators don't even understand that what they're doing is wrong which is why one of the easiest ways to identify those folks is probably by their supernally smooth lying skills. Think about how charismatic TV preachers are, and think about how almost universally these folks turn out to be con-artists and frauds.

Re:No way buddy.

[rwa2]

Yeah, by that logic, a digitally signed and encrypted email would be the epitome of deception.

So much for using email to leave a paper trail.

I kinda expect people to prevaricate more when talking face-to-face, because then they can rely on other powers of persuasion and intimidation and just plain acting to back their delusions. At least if they lie in email, I can call them out on it.

But whatever.

Re:They obviously do not work in a regulated indus

[need4mospd]

That's why you follow every call up with an email. Confirm every detail of the conversation how you understood it. Not only does it make a paper trail, but it clears up any communication errors. Habitual liars catch on real quick when their words are on paper.

Also, do not try this with the wife. "But honey, I have email proof!" only makes it worse.

Re:They obviously do not work in a regulated indus

[dave562]

That is a good point. I often use that technique not to deal with liars, but to CYA.

"Just to confirm, you told me that you understand everything I told you, but you don't want to deal with it right now and think it can wait until later. I'm okay with that. Just don't come crying to me when the systems are down because you didn't take me seriously."

All it takes is getting bit in the ass once to turn into an ass covering twit. I hate to be that guy, but I hate it even more to get caught holding the bag because someone above me decided that what I told them was important, really wasn't important.