Lies

Book excerpt: This encyclopedia examines the phenomenon of deception from a variety of perspectives and in a multitude of contexts. It offers readers an accessibly written and engaging resource that sheds light on when, why, and how we lie. Ironically, it seems to be a universal truth that everyone lies. From innocent "white lies" to elaborate deceptions, humans appear to be hard-wired for dishonesty. But what psychological or evolutionary purpose does lying serve? What motivates us to lie, and what effects do such lies have on those around us and on our own physiology and mental health? What are the differences between types of lies, and how do various forms of dishonesty manifest themselves in such areas as politics, advertising, and social media? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we spot liars in our everyday lives and encourage those around us—and even ourselves—to be more honest? Lies: The Science behind Deception provides a broad and multifaceted introduction to this fascinating topic. More than 175 entries address the many forms of lying, the purpose and development of such behaviors, and their consequences. It also includes practical sidebars that help readers to deal with lying and liars in their own lives.