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Related Concept Videos

Understanding Deception01:14

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Deception is a pervasive aspect of human communication. Empirical studies have shown that most individuals engage in some form of deceit on a daily basis, with approximately 20% of social exchanges involving deceptive elements. Lying follows a developmental trajectory, peaking during adolescence and declining with age, possibly due to the maturation of cognitive control and social accountability.Cognitive and Social Factors in Deception DetectionDespite its prevalence, accurately detecting...
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False memories represent a cognitive distortion in which individuals recall events that did not happen, or remember them in an altered form. This phenomenon highlights the brain's constructive nature in processing and recalling memories, emphasizing that memory is not a perfect representation of past events but rather a dynamic reconstruction influenced by various factors.
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Impression Management Techniques III: Aligning Actions01:29

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Aligning actions are communicative strategies individuals employ to maintain social harmony and preserve personal identity in the face of potential disruptions to social norms. These actions are particularly important in managing social impressions when one's behavior might be seen as inappropriate, incompetent, or morally questionable.Types of Aligning ActionsThe three principal types of aligning actions are disclaimers, accounts, and apologies.DisclaimersDisclaimers are preventive; they are...
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The actions and characteristics of others heavily influence the causes of social behaviors. Emotional expressions serve as powerful social signals, shaping behaviors and interactions in significant ways. Whether through direct observation or subconscious processing, individuals constantly adjust their responses based on the emotions and attributes of those around them.Emotional Cues and Social ResponsesFacial expressions, tone of voice, and body language provide crucial emotional cues that...
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Updated: Oct 19, 2025

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Prosocial lies: Causes and consequences.

Emma E Levine1, Matthew J Lupoli2

  • 1The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, USA.

Current Opinion in Psychology
|September 19, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Prosocial lies, told to benefit others, are common. Research shows people accept these lies when they prevent emotional harm and honesty is unhelpful, but reject them if seen as paternalistic.

Keywords:
DeceptionEthicsHonestyProsocial lies

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Prosocial lies, intended to benefit others, are frequently observed in social interactions.
  • Understanding the motivations and outcomes of these deceptive acts is crucial for social dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on the causes and consequences of prosocial lies.
  • To identify the conditions under which prosocial lies are accepted or rejected by recipients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on prosocial deception.
  • Analysis of situational factors and individual differences influencing prosocial lying.

Main Results:

  • Prosocial lies are often motivated by a desire to prevent emotional harm, particularly when the recipient is vulnerable.
  • Recipients respond positively to prosocial lies if they avert emotional distress and honesty offers no practical benefit.
  • Prosocial lies are perceived as paternalistic and are penalized when they do not serve a clear beneficial purpose.

Conclusions:

  • The effectiveness and acceptance of prosocial lies depend heavily on context and perceived intent.
  • Recipients evaluate prosocial lies based on their ability to mitigate harm and the absence of a more valuable truthful alternative.