Why Do We Feel ‘Guilt’ When We Lie?

When we lie, our brain feels like something is wrong. It's like when you hide your favorite toy and feel guilty for doing it. Guilt makes us want to tell the truth again because it helps us stay connected with others. Our brain uses a part called the prefrontal cortex to decide whether lying is worth the guilt we feel later.

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Examples

You tell your mom you finished your homework, but really, you just watched TV, and then you feel guilty because you know she’ll be upset.
Your friend says they’re going to buy you ice cream, but they forget, now you feel like you should have reminded them.
When you pretend not to see the pizza on the table when it’s clearly there, your brain feels a little bad for lying.

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Categories: Psychology · Guilt,Lying,Emotions