Why do we lie?

Most of us do it more than we think 👀

Quick summary 📝

1️⃣ Studies have found that lying is pretty common

2️⃣ Lies can range from complete deception to exaggeration or intentional omission

3️⃣ Honesty is usually best, and if you’re finding it hard, talking to someone you trust or journalling can help

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Lying is extremely common. One study found that 60% of people told at least one lie in a 10-minute chat with someone new, and most didn’t even realise they’d done it 🤯

So if lying is so normal, why is it so bad?

luna’s here to break down the topic of lies and how it affects us day-to-day 👇

What exactly is lying?

Lying is essentially telling someone something which you know not to be true.

Many people think of lying as extreme and complicated, without any truth at all.

But in reality, lies can be small details in stories or situations that don’t always affect the outcome.

Often, lies are just exaggerations.

Although lies are told quite a lot, it can be really hurtful to find out someone has lied to you 😔

Types of lying include:

👉 Complete deception: this basically means there is absolutely no truth in what’s being said

👉 Half-truth: some of the story is true, but some is also made up

👉 Exaggeration: adding made up details to things that are true

👉 Leaving things out: purposely missing out details so someone gets the wrong idea

Why do we lie?

Psychological science has shown that some of the most common reasons people lie regularly are: 

👉 Popularity: lies can often make stories more interesting, and people who tell extravagant stories may do so to be more likeable (until people realise it’s not true!)

👉 Pros vs cons: if someone believes they have more to gain from telling a lie, they’re more likely to tell a fib

👉 Protecting how we see ourselves: when we feel embarrassed, guilty, or worried about looking bad, lying can feel like the easier option

Is lying wrong?

Lying is extremely complicated, but researchers are always learning more about it.

It’s something that’s very human, and lots of people lie without even realising 👀

On the whole, luna suggests being honest.

That being said, sometimes telling the truth could hurt someone’s feelings, and this is where it gets more complex.

In these cases, consulting a trusted friend or family member can be very helpful in making the right call. They’ll know you best and can help you navigate through this.

Feeling bad about lying is totally normal, and it shows you care. You can take steps to lie less.

Keeping a journal can be a really great way of reflecting on situations you lie in and figuring out how to improve on that next time.

If an adult ever asks you to keep a secret from your family or lie for them, that’s not okay. Talk to someone you trust, or call Childline for free on 0800 1111.

luna hopes you’ve learned a thing or two about lying, and if you have done something you wish you hadn’t, remember we all make mistakes and most often they are forgiven, so don’t be afraid to own up 🫶

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