Do you really know? What happens in the brain when we lie?
Aug 27, 2025
Lying is more common than you think—most people do it at least once a day! The cognitive process behind deceit engages multiple brain regions, including those for language and memory. Discover how 'white lies' can be a way to protect loved ones. The episode also delves into the evolutionary aspects of lying, revealing fascinating parallels with animal behavior. Can you really be a good liar without intelligence? Unpack these compelling insights into the complexities of honesty and deception.
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We Lie Daily, Often With White Lies
- An American study from 1996 concluded people lie at least once a day.
- The podcast highlights 'white lies' as common examples we tell to protect others.
Lying Is A Complex Cognitive Task
- Lying engages many cognitive systems including language, memory, creativity, and self-control.
- Sylvie Chokron calls lying an extremely intelligent task that uses virtually all cognitive abilities.
Experts Use Distraction To Hide Lies
- Skilled liars manipulate our expectations by faking emotions or confusion to distract detectors.
- Jeff Beattie's analysis shows experts use intuition against us to hide telltale cues.