I LIE, OH COMPUTER
Posted by anthonynorth on February 28, 2007
Digital ‘truth detection’ technology is on the way to tell if you are lying on text, email and, presumably, blog. Cornell University have analysed thousands of electronic messages and identified ‘linguistic anxiety’ that gives the game away.
Tell tale signs are very very very lengthy messages than are required. Another sign is that the liar tries harder to prove he’s not faking – yes, he really does. Then, of course, they blame others for problems – I’m so late today; the kids wouldn’t get up, God was not on my side.
Emotionally negative words are also used – this is so stressful, you know. And then, of course, the liar is deliberately, you know, how can I put it, vague, so to speak. And soon the software will be here to catch you out.
Except it won’t work. You see, personally I think that we all lie or exaggerate, or evade, either to others or ourselves, so the test would become pointless. Although I once met someone who didn’t lie. Or so he said.
© Anthony North, Feb 2007
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INTRODUCTION