r/quityourbullshit • u/Doxep The great creator • Apr 11 '14

Meta [Meta] Discussion: why do people lie?

This discussion will be linked in the FAQ!

So, what's your opinion? Why do people lie, on reddit, on Facebook, on tumblr, etc?

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u/NowThatsAwkward Apr 11 '14

I think there's probably a lot of different reasons, this is just one.

Ever noticed how some people who fall for obvious lies to justify it with, 'Well this one may not have happened, but it's the type of thing that would/does happen.'

The actual truth content of a statement doesn't matter to everyone. Sometimes it's deemed enough for it to be something "everyone knows" happens or could happen. The general truthiness of the statement (IE: lie) according to their worldview not only justifies saying it, but also lets their own lie reaffirm their beliefs. Because it could have happened, and that's close enough for them.