Whether or not we admit it, lying is – like using the bathroom or having sex – something that all humans do. The psychology of lying is an awkward subject, however, and one that we tend to avoid at all costs.

That is because when we are caught lying, the outcome is rarely positive. At best, it is mildly embarrassing. At worst, it can lead to outright ruination. For some, lying is second nature and for the more virtuous among us, it is a last resort. The psychology of lying explains how and why it happens.

Despite the human propensity for lying, few of us know how our brains react when we lie or how often other people lie. For example, why do our eyes move? Why do we breathe faster? And how do compulsive liars manage to hold their stories together?

The infographic below explains the scientific processes behind lying and more. It also sheds light on:

  • Why lie detectors are inadmissible in court;
  • How to spot a poker bluff;
  • How many people lie regularly at work;
  • How often college students lie to their parents.

Read on for detailed facts and statistics about the psychology of lying. Perhaps it will make it easier to spot the liars in your life!

The Psychology of Lying


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This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Otto Bhan

    A very interesting read Anna. I like the graphical bites sized exposition. Like a foyer, it draws the eyes and mind toward deigned understandings.

    A nice touch, the bibliographic references add credence and rich sources for further depths explorations.

    Grazia Deledda

  2. Nikola Serafimovski

    I play Poker sometime with my friends, at least once a week. We don’t bet on high prices, usually something symbolic like 5$ per game to keep you motivated to win 🙂

    I read your infographic yesterday, and I must brag that I used it later that night on a Poker game, and guess what? I WON! 🙂

    I wasn’t mindful about all the tricks, but I recognized bluffing by shoulder crunching few times, and 5/6 people locked their fingers few times while bluffing. Awesome 🙂

    I feel like a lie detector whole day long, heheh 🙂
    Thanks for sharing,
    Nikola

    P.S. Are you cool if I use this infographic on my blog, I credit all the time when I curate something. Thanks in advance

  3. Cliff O'Neal

    How about sweating?…Do liars sweat profusely?

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