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Lying Is More Common When We Email

Posted by Soulskill on from the check-is-in-the-mail dept.

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."

16 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. No way buddy. by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 4, Funny

    I always tell the truth when post in Slashdot. Especially when I check mark the anonymous coward option. Computers, IM, email etc encourage lying. bah! humbug.

    --
    sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
    1. Re:No way buddy. by rwa2 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      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.

    2. Re:No way buddy. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Anonymous coward posts really are hit or miss. You can make arguments for "courage of your convictions", but I actually find more honest, dissenting opinions in the anon posts than proper ones. Named posts are almost always "safe" posts. And so, I'm glad we've got an AC option.

      Unfortunately, AC posts are also where you find the trashy, hateful, racist sludge as well.

  2. No shit. by CapnStank · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Haven't we already learned this from such "discussion mediums" as the Slashdot comment section? Its easier to lie when you don't have to cover your body language, quivers in voice or other "give aways".

    1. Re:No shit. by blair1q · · Score: 4, Funny

      Your punctuation errors are "give aways".

    2. Re:No shit. by Jeng · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's also easier to "lie" when you can carefully construct the "truth" which is much easier when writing it out vs doing it to someones face.

      --
      Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
    3. Re:No shit. by arkenian · · Score: 4, Interesting

      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....

    4. Re:No shit. by canajin56 · · Score: 5, Funny

      That's Johnathan Gabriel's Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory. "Normal Person + Anonymity + Audience = Total Fuckwad." I don't remember what the Lesser Internet Fuckwad Theory is, it's been years since I took Intro to Internetrics.

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      ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI
  3. Really? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny


    I was just getting out of bed after a 9 hour orgy with my harem. I showed them this story on my iPad 4 and they think it's all BS.

  4. people lie? by roman_mir · · Score: 5, Funny

    is it true, do people lie? Over email? To other people?

    we need to look into this, it's going to ruin the economy, especially if these liars get into politics and big business!

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    You can't handle the truth.
  5. They obviously do not work in a regulated industry by dave562 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    When we need to lie, we pick up the phone. Emails are logged and archived.

    I'm mostly kidding. I'm in IT. I do not need to lie. The sales staff on the other hand seems to make a living over promising things to clients.

  6. Hard to believe by LoudMusic · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Either the research is flawed, or the people they studied are going to fail miserably in the "real world".

    I find myself stretching the truth, or dodging accurate answers, when speaking in person far more often than I do in text. With text there is a document recorded for all time which can be referenced at any time. If it's not correct it's going to destroy you. If you say something untrue it's possible to wiggle out by claiming you were misunderstood or misheard.

    Typically there is more time to build accurate and honest replies in text than there is in verbal communication. When you're speaking with someone they expect the reply RIGHT THEN, so you make some shit up to cover your ass. If you have more time you can formulate a true(er) response, or build truth prior to making your reply.

    Spoken:
    "Hey babe, did you take out the trash?"
    "Uh, yep."
    The hell you did. And now you have to get the trash out before she finds out.

    Text:
    "Hey babe, did you take out the trash?"
    Take out the trash.
    "Yep. At the curb."

    No deceit. Just delay of truth due to available features of the means of communication.

    --
    No sig for you. YOU GET NO SIG!
  7. Actually, the reverse by vanyel · · Score: 4, Interesting

    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.

  8. Re:Of course... by somersault · · Score: 4, Funny

    True that. Pizza soothes all. It probably even soothes the shame brought about by your tiny penis.

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    which is totally what she said
  9. Most communications are visual by SlippyToad · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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.

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    One day I feel I'm ahead of the wheel / the next it's rolling over me / I can get back on / I can get back on
  10. Re:They obviously do not work in a regulated indus by need4mospd · · Score: 4, Interesting
    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.