Whether it's a white lie, a truth or a little lie, everyone may have experienced one in their lifetime. Psychologists say that there is a delicate balance between honesty and deception, but often people tend to lie to achieve other benefits.
A 2018 study, "Differentiating everyday lies: A typology of lies based on beneficiary and motivation", explained that the psychological process that occurs behind lies is based on two factors: Beneficiaries and motivation. The decision to lie is influenced by the beneficiary or the person who will benefit from the lie. The motivation behind lying occurs after achieving a desirable outcome.
But what are the six types of lies and the impact they have on us?
-Useful self-oriented lies
These lies are told when something is received in return. For example, claiming that a sum of money found on the street is yours and not someone else's.
-Self-oriented defensive lies
These lies are aimed at avoiding a negative loss for oneself. For example, you deny the fact that you hit another car while parking.
-Useful lies directed at others
These lies are aimed at achieving positive results for themselves and others. The case when you lie to your boss that your colleague is sick is one of these cases.
-Defensive lies with a different orientation
These lies are told to protect others from loss or negative outcomes. When you lie to your friend's parents that everything is fine, in the meantime you have another situation in front of your eyes. You tell this lie under the pretense of preventing their worries.
-Useful lies
These lies are told to benefit the person telling the lie as well as another person. For example, faking results in a group project to get a better grade.
-Defensive lies
A team manager tells managers at work that he cannot complete a project on time because of technical problems, instead of blaming his team. This is a case of a defensive lie.
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Source: Forbes
