Through the Wormhole Season 6 Episode 6 Why Do We Lie?

In the sixth episode of the sixth season of Through the Wormhole, the question asked is "Why Do We Lie?". The episode delves into the intricacies of lying and explores the various forms of deception that humans engage in every day.

The episode starts with a glimpse into the early years of lying. Researchers suggest that lying often begins when children are as young as three years old. The show explains that lying is a social tool that helps humans build relationships but can also be a sign of manipulation.

As the episode progresses, it examines the various reasons why people lie. Evolutionary scientists explain that, in ancient times, deception was a part of survival, with the more intelligent primates often being better at deceiving. The show also discusses the dark side of lying, including pathological lying and the human capacity for cruel manipulation.

Another interesting aspect of the episode is a discussion on the role of lying in politics. The show reveals how politicians' lies can influence masses and shape public opinion. They bring up the example of Hitler, who used his ability to lie to manipulate an entire country and lead them into war.

The show highlights the psychological theories and concepts that explain why people lie. One such theory is the cognitive dissonance theory, suggesting that people are more likely to lie if their actions conflict with their values and beliefs. It also explores the psychological anatomy of deception, including the mental exertion lying requires and the importance of body language in detecting deception.

The show features interviews with experts in the field, including psychologists, sociologists, and neuroscientists, who provide their insight on the subject of lying. Leading lie detection experts demonstrate a technique for catching liars that involve monitoring micro-expressions on the human face.

The episode concludes by examining the importance of honesty in our lives and how lying can damage relationships. It stresses the importance of confronting our truths and being truthful with ourselves and others.