Ep 4. Lies

Your Bleeped Up Brain is a documentary-style television show that explores the mysteries of the human mind. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the brain, from memory and decision making to perception and consciousness. Using a combination of experiments, expert interviews, and cutting-edge technology, the show reveals the intricate workings of the brain and how they shape our everyday experiences.

In season 1, episode 4, titled "Lies," the show delves into the science of deception. Why do we lie? How can we tell when someone is lying to us? And what happens in our brains when we deceive others or are deceived ourselves?

To answer these questions, the show follows the journey of a woman named Jessica, who has volunteered to participate in a lie detection experiment. Jessica is hooked up to a polygraph machine, and asked a series of questions – some truthful, and some not. As she answers, the polygraph records her physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate and skin conductance. The data is then analyzed by a team of experts, who will determine whether Jessica is telling the truth or lying.

Though Jessica is a willing participant, the experiment is not without its challenges. As the questions become more personal and invasive, Jessica begins to feel a sense of discomfort and unease. Her body reacts accordingly, and the polygraph picks up on her physiological stress responses. The experts explain that this is because lying is inherently stressful – when we are not telling the truth, our brain must work harder to maintain the deception, which can lead to physical symptoms like sweating and increased heart rate.

But lying isn't just a matter of heightened stress levels. The show explores the psychology behind deception, and how our brains can be wired for dishonesty. One expert highlights the concept of "cognitive dissonance" – the idea that when our beliefs or actions are in conflict with one another, our brain creates a sense of discomfort that we must resolve. One way to do this is by altering our beliefs or behaviors to align with one another. This can manifest as lying – if we tell ourselves a false narrative often and convincingly enough, we can eventually come to believe it as truth.

The show also looks at the other side of the coin – how we can detect lies in others. Using both social science research and technological advancements, the experts reveal the telltale signs of deception, such as avoiding direct eye contact, fidgeting, and changes in vocal pitch. They caution, though, that these signs are not foolproof – some people are skilled at masking their deceit, and some may exhibit these behaviors for reasons unrelated to lying.

Finally, the show explores the consequences of deception – both on the liar and the person being lied to. It delves into the impact that dishonesty can have on our relationships, our mental health, and our sense of self. It also highlights the ethical considerations of using lie detection technology in a legal or employment setting, and the potential for false positives and negatives.

In all, "Lies" is a thought-provoking and revealing exploration of one of the most ubiquitous and complicated human behaviors. It uses science to shed light on the mysteries of deception, and offers insight into the ways in which our brains can both fuel and foil our attempts to be truthful.