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Bullshit Ability as an Honest Signal of Intelligence
Martin Harry Turpin1, Mane Kara-Yakoubian2, Alexander C Walker1
1Department of Psychology, 8430University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Humans can use bullshit, or communication without regard for truth, as an honest signal of intelligence. Producing more convincing bullshit correlates with higher intelligence and social navigation skills.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Social psychology
- Evolutionary psychology
Background:
- Efficient navigation of social systems is crucial for human survival.
- Bullshitting, defined as communication intended to impress or persuade without regard for truth, is prevalent in human societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the ability to produce "bullshit" and an individual's intelligence.
- To determine if bullshit production serves as an honest signal of cognitive ability in social contexts.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with a total of 1,017 participants.
- Participants' ability to produce satisfying and seemingly accurate "bullshit" was assessed.
- Second-hand observers evaluated participants' intelligence based on their "bullshit" output.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between bullshit-producing ability and individual intelligence.
- Individuals who produced more convincing "bullshit" were perceived by observers as more intelligent.
- This suggests that bullshit ability can function as an honest signal of intelligence.
Conclusions:
- Intelligence may be evolutionarily adapted for navigating complex social environments.
- The capacity to generate effective "bullshit" can aid in social negotiation and impress others.
- This ability may represent an energetically efficient strategy for signaling intelligence and managing social interactions.
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