You’d think it might be harder to tell lies to someone’s face than by email but recent study reported in the New Scientist suggests otherwise.
The study carried out by researcher at Cornell University tested honesty across commonly used communication technologies. Surprisingly, the lowest percentage of lies were found in emails (14 percent), while the most lies are likely to be told over the phone (37 percent) or in face-to-face communication (27 percent). Lies make up 21 percent of instant messaging.
The study concluded people were more likely to lie in “real time” when spontaneous response was called for than in recorded medium where they could be held accountable for what they say. Such research could be used by employers to determine which medium was better suited to different communication needs.

Management Digital Issue – April 2026
Explore how New Zealand organisations can lift productivity in uncertain times, with insights on innovation, leadership, and the growing impact of AI.









