Why the brain makes small lies become big lies

Researchers at University College London (UCL) showed that: prone to selfish lies strengthen Over time, brain.

Research published in journals natural neuroscience in 2016, analyzed the brain activity of As a result of the participation of 80 volunteers, the amygdala emotions— With each cheating, the reaction decreases and the lies become progressively more serious.

The role of the amygdala in cheating

During the experiment, participants had to estimate the number of coins in a jar and send their answer to their partner using a computer. In some scenarios, you may benefit financially by overestimating or underestimating numbers, even to the detriment of your partner.

The researchers observed that the first lie caused strong activation of the amygdala.creating feelings of discomfort and rejection.

but, This reaction is reduced each time a misbehavior occurs; Due to increased hype. This reduced emotional response appears to have made it easier for people to lie without feeling discomfort.

The slippery slope of fraud

Dr Tali Shalot, from UCL’s Department of Experimental Psychology and lead author of the study, explained:When we lie for personal gain, the amygdala creates a negative sensation that limits the extent to which we are willing to lie. ” Over time, that response weakens and “can lead to a slippery slope where small acts of cheating turn into more serious lies.”

Dr Neil Garrett, also from UCL, added that this pattern may not be limited to deception: “The same principles may apply to escalating behavior, such as risk-taking or violent behavior.” Researchers say the brain’s reduced emotional response to repeated actions may be a common factor across many types of behavior.

Implications for the study of human behavior

For experts, This finding constitutes the first empirical evidence of how lies are amplified as they are repeated. This suggests that emotional desensitization plays a central role in the evolution of cheating.

Dr. Lariza Stoyanova, from Wellcome’s neuroscience and mental health team, said the study provides “a very interesting first look at the brain’s response to repeated cheating.”