Lying Takes More Brainpower Than Telling the Truth

People lie more convincingly if given time to rehearse their fibs.

By Adam Hadhazy
Nov 18, 2013 12:00 AMMay 21, 2019 6:02 PM
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Adrianna Williams/Corbi

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Whether concocting a lie on the spot or trying to stick to a false alibi, the business of deception is hard work. Brain imaging studies show that lying takes greater mental effort than telling the truth, and children’s ability to fib increases hand in hand with their overall cognitive development.

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