Mind WondersPlay

Reading PeopleLie Detection

Liars Don't Always Look Away

Looking away is the most famous sign of lying, and one of the least reliable

If two people both look away while answering, would you know which one to believe before you checked their stories?

You'll find out

  • See how far the stereotype spread
  • Watch the same gaze in two cases
  • Check a detail beyond the eyes

Why it matters

Keep a glance from steering a decision about who to trust. Look for a fact you can check.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 83 · Zone 10

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More in this zone

  1. 82Lie DetectionWe Catch Liars About Half the TimeMost people spot lies only slightly better than a coin flip
  2. 84Truth-Default TheoryThe Truth DefaultWe're built to believe people, which is why liars usually get away with it
  3. 85InterviewingAsk Them to Tell It BackwardsLying is mentally hard; telling the story backwards makes it harder
  4. 86InterviewingToo Much Detail, or Too Little?True stories tend to be richer in details you could actually check
  5. 87Lie DetectionLie Detectors Don't Detect LiesThe polygraph measures nerves, not lies
  6. 88LyingEverybody Lies a LittleThe average person tells about one or two lies a day, mostly small
  7. 89DevelopmentWhy Kids Start LyingA toddler's first lie is a sign their brain is growing up
  8. 90InterviewingThe Unexpected QuestionLiars rehearse their answers; they don't rehearse the question you didn't ask