We’ve seen so much of it in our society, politics, the media, these boards. It’s hard to comprehend HOW anyone can believe that denying the obvious somehow destroys the obvious. The truth doesn’t depend on whether or not it is believed. Even if it is buried for awhile, sooner or later it resurfaces. We’re in a time now where both the denial and the uncovering are happening vigorously. The stronger the truth, the louder the denials.

“The main problem with lies is that they erode trust, which is the foundation of all relationships and social structures. Lying can lead to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and damaged mental and physical health for the liar, while also harming the person being lied to and the relationship itself. Furthermore, when lies become normalized, they can destabilize society by distorting truth and making it difficult to distinguish between facts and falsehoods.

Consequences for the liar
Mental and physical health: Lying is associated with increased stress, anxiety, and negative affect, and can lead to long-term health problems like high blood pressure and elevated stress hormones.

Decreased self-esteem: Lying can lower self-esteem and is linked to negative feelings.

Cognitive dissonance: Lying can lead to a state of psychological discomfort where the person's beliefs and actions are contradictory.

Escalating lies: Lies can often start small and increase in magnitude over time, making dishonesty easier to do in the future.
Consequences for relationships and society
Loss of trust: Once a lie is discovered, it becomes very difficult to trust the person again, which can permanently damage relationships.

Damaged intimacy: Lying can destroy closeness and intimacy in relationships.

Reputational damage: A reputation for dishonesty can lead to negative social consequences and a loss of credibility.
Social and political instability: Widespread lies can lead people to lose faith in institutions and each other, undermining moral compasses and the very fabric of society.

Consequences for the person being lied to
Inability to make informed decisions: A person who is lied to is deprived of information, preventing them from making informed choices and potentially leading to harmful outcomes.
Erosion of fairness: Witnessing dishonesty can lead to a breakdown in cooperation, as people are less likely to trust and work with those who lie.”. AI