In many cases, one of the most effective ways to find out the truth involves the use of deception.  Spying on people, pretending to know more about a situation then you really do (bluffing), asking people questions you already know the answers to – are all common ways that people use lies to expose the truth.  The Atlantic just published an argument against using deception, even in science, in our quest for the truth.

“Deception, like truth telling, can be habit forming. The more frequently we engage in dishonesty, the easier and more natural it becomes. Do we really believe that the practice of deception can be safely contained in the lab? Are we ready to sacrifice the standard of truthfulness and the habit of honesty for the sake of a seriously misguided conception of scientific progress? Scientifically sanctioned deception, we must accept, is inherently incompatible with the pursuit of truth.”

The full article can found here.

When you notice someone lying, it might wise to take note of it, but keep it to yourself.

While most people think that lying is the wrong thing to do, new research shows that even honest individuals do not want to be around people who expose other people’s lies.

We asked over ten thousand individuals about the lies they tell their romantic partners.

What did we find?

For the most part, men and women are very similar when it comes to lying.

Key Differences?

Men are more likely than women to lie about how often they masturbate and their use of pornography.

Women are more likely to lie about being sexually satisfied and how they spend money.

More information on our online quizzes can be found here.

Most of the time people lie with little awareness of what they are doing.  Lying comes so naturally, that most people don’t give it a second thought.  Stressful lies, however, can take a toll on one’s health.  A recent article highlights some of the negative health outcomes associated with telling lies.

“Lying releases various stress hormones that in turn weaken your immune system, making you critically more susceptible to colds and sore throats. On the average, liars are sick far more frequently and complain of more health issues than honest people according to a recent 2012 publication from the psychology department of Notre Dame.”  Full article can be found here.

Clearly sharing everything with your spouse is not a good idea.  Nor is lying about important issues.  The Wall Street Journal examines the research about the “proper” role of deception in romantic relationships.