Recreational lies and hoaxes are common among people who take delight in duping or gas-lighting others. It takes a certain amount of malevolence, narcissism, Machiavellianism, sociopathy or even psychopathy to engage in this activity. Online trolls are one aspect of this. Hoaxers are another. There are just far too many who delight in spreading bull excrement.
Lies and evasions of convenience are common. People do this both deliberately and reflexively, to get themselves out of immediate trouble or socially awkward situations, or to avoid giving offence. Some of these are classed as "white lies." They can often backfire. Children do this all of the time to avoid negative consequences. Adults may not be that much different. Such lies are often discovered, reduce trust, and may anger others. Short term gain and long term pain may be the real consequence. In situation comedies, it has been the norm to create entire episodes around such lies and their outcomes.
Cross-posted from ektikoi.wordpress.com/2020/07/24/communication/
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
