Disadvantageous lies in individual decisions

We present experimental evidence on the existence of lies which are disadvantageous to the person lying in individual decision problems. Potential reasons for this behavior are preferences for manipulating others’ perceptions or preserving a positive self-perception. If the utility gained from a certain perception outweighs the monetary payoff gained from an advantageous lie or the truth, people will tell a disadvantageous lie.

► We conducted a lying experiment with students and nuns.
► Nuns are lying to their detriment in individual decision problems.
► We suggest that people use these lies to manipulate other persons’ beliefs.
► Another reason might be the preservation of a positive self-perception.