The future of lying - Jeff Hancock | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Deception is pervasive in our daily lives, both online and offline, and technology has changed the way we deceive and are deceived.

Key Insights

• 👯 Deception is an inherent part of human behavior and has fascinated people throughout history.
• 😌 Technology has provided new opportunities for deception, such as the Butler lie, sock puppetry, and astroturfing.
• 📲 Online communication can be both honest and deceptive, with email being the most honest form of communication and phone calls being the most common medium for deception.
• 🤕 The digital age has brought about the recording of our words and actions, offering new insights into our behavior and potentially holding us accountable for our deception.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why is deception so pervasive in human behavior?

Deception is central to what it means to be human and has fascinated people throughout history. It allows us to manipulate our environment, protect ourselves, and maintain social relationships.

Q: How has technology changed the way we deceive?

Technology, like email and text messaging, has provided new opportunities for deception. For example, the Butler lie, which creates ambiguity in relationships, has become more prevalent in the 24/7 connected world.

Q: Why do people engage in online deception, such as sock puppetry and astroturfing?

Online deception serves various purposes, including self-promotion, protecting relationships, and gaining power or influence. The anonymity and distance provided by the internet make it easier for individuals to engage in deceptive behavior.

Q: Does technology make us more deceptive as a society?

Surprisingly, studies have shown that technology-mediated communication, such as email and LinkedIn, is often more honest than face-to-face communication. The use of technology creates digital records that can be scrutinized, which may discourage individuals from lying.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Deception is a prevalent part of human behavior, with research suggesting that most people lie at least once or twice a day.

• Technology, such as email, has changed the way we deceive, with email being the most honest form of communication. Phone calls, on the other hand, are the most common medium for deception.

• The rise of online communication has introduced new forms of deception like the Butler, the sock puppet, and the Chinese Water Army, which use technology to create ambiguity and protect relationships.