This American Life

855: That’s a Weird Thing to Lie About

183 snips
Mar 2, 2025
Liz Flock, a reporter known for her investigation into the A Gay Girl in Damascus hoax, joins producer Dana Chivvis to discuss the strange world of online deception. M. Gessen, an author and journalist, sheds light on 'bully lies' in politics, while Ike Sriskandarajah humorously defends the case for lying in certain contexts. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes and the bizarre motivations behind unnecessary lies, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of truth in our increasingly digital lives.
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INSIGHT

Autistic View on Lying

  • Autistic people often perceive white lies and social pleasantries as literal falsehoods.
  • This stems from a difficulty understanding the neurotypical use of these phrases as social tools, not factual statements.
ANECDOTE

The "Fat" Lie

  • Casey recalls teenage friends reassuring her she wasn't fat, a lie she found baffling.
  • This incident highlighted the neurotypical tendency to prioritize kindness over objective truth, a concept she initially struggled to grasp.
ADVICE

Honest Interview Feedback

  • Instead of praising everyone after interviews, acknowledge their vulnerability.
  • Thank them for their effort and openness rather than offering empty platitudes.
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