Dishonesty Apr 2026

Harmless fibs told to spare others' feelings or preserve social harmony, such as complimenting a friend’s haircut.

Cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication within educational settings, often reported via a "Long Form Incident Report" for serious cases. Psychological and Biological Drivers

Dishonesty intended for personal gain, to avoid punishment, or to enhance one's image. dishonesty

Deception through the strategic removal of relevant details rather than an outright fabrication.

Repeated lying desensitizes the brain's amygdala (the emotional center). Over time, individuals feel less guilt or anxiety about lying, making larger deceptions easier to commit. Harmless fibs told to spare others' feelings or

Dishonesty exists on a spectrum, from minor social lubricants to life-altering frauds:

The choice to lie involves a mental "multitasking" where the brain must suppress the truth while fabricating and maintaining a believable alternative. Deception through the strategic removal of relevant details

Functional MRI scans show that lying increases activity in the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—meaning it is more taxing than telling the truth.