Multiple studies have been conducted to dissect the anatomy of a lie, and what it does to our brain. You may have asked yourself why we have the general inclination to lie and how lying can affect us. How do little white lies turn into bigger lies, and what happens to our brain as our lies progress? The truth is, studies remain ongoing but here’s what we currently know:
What happens when we lie?
The mere second that we lie, a hormone called cortisol disperses in your brain, making you indecisive and in some cases aggressive. This happens because of our brain trying to remember the lie we conjured and the truth simultaneously. Many become worried about the lie and maybe even obsess over someone revealing them and their lie. They may even try to “fix” the lie or believe the lie themselves.
What about when we lie in succession?
The first time that we lie, activity in a part of the brain called the amygdala is at an all time high, meaning that we generally feel bad about telling the lie. However, as more lies were successfully told, activity in the amygdala went down. This also means that guilt towards the lie decreased in severity. The pattern of activity pertaining to the lies would eventually get to a point where the more the activity would decrease, the bigger the lie would be.
What can lying do to you?
Physically: Lying can weaken your immune system, and can even be the cause of nausea and intense headaches. It raises your blood pressure, elicits cramps and may disrupt your sleeping schedule.
Mentally: Telling a lie can be the source of anxiety and depression. This is due to the mental exhaustion from not only telling a lie, but keeping a lie to oneself.
Sources
Staff, Mindful, et al. “This Is Your Brain on Lies.” Mindful, 26 Jan. 2022, https://www.mindful.org/this-is-your-brain-on-lies/.
Pariona, Amber. “When You Lie, Your Brain Is Actually Suffering.” Lifehack, Lifehack, 19 May 2017, https://www.lifehack.org/589959/how-harmful-lying-can-be-to-our-health.
Beasley, Brett, and Christopher Adkins. “Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership.” What Dishonesty Does to Your Brain // News // Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership // University of Notre Dame, 2022, https://ethicalleadership.nd.edu/news/what-dishonesty-does-to-your-brain-why-lying-becomes-easier-and-easier/.
Comments