People often tell lies in an attempt to be kind or look out for others' best interests. ("You look great in that outfit!") When telling a well-intentioned lie requires someone to make an assumption about what’s in the recipient’s best interest, it’s called a paternalistic lie. In a series of experiments, researchers have found that the recipients of paternalistic lies often react badly to such behavior. To decide whether telling a well-meaning lie is likely to backfire or not, ask yourself if the person will really be better off in the long-run if you tell a white lie; check in with them on what they need from you; and make sure they know you have their best interests at heart.
When Is It OK to Tell a Well-Meaning Lie?
Adam Eric Greenberg;
2018
Abstract
People often tell lies in an attempt to be kind or look out for others' best interests. ("You look great in that outfit!") When telling a well-intentioned lie requires someone to make an assumption about what’s in the recipient’s best interest, it’s called a paternalistic lie. In a series of experiments, researchers have found that the recipients of paternalistic lies often react badly to such behavior. To decide whether telling a well-meaning lie is likely to backfire or not, ask yourself if the person will really be better off in the long-run if you tell a white lie; check in with them on what they need from you; and make sure they know you have their best interests at heart.
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