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People are twice as likely to lie if they’re talking
on the phone than if they’re writing an e-mail, according
to the first study to compare honesty levels by communication
media.
In the study, lies made up 14 percent of emails, 21 percent
of instant messages, 27 percent of face-to-face interactions--and
37 percent of phone calls. Although psychologists expected
the most lies to come through via e-mail, as this would allow
the most detached way of communication, researchers believe
the fact that e-mails are recorded, and could therefore be
re-read later, keeps lying in check.
Further, it appears that people are more likely to lie in
real time, such as on the phone, than when they have time
to think of a response, as is the case with e-mail. The researchers
concluded that e-mail may be the best way of communicating
in situations where honesty is of utmost importance.
New
Scientist February 12, 2004
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