Deception detection under varying electronic media and warning conditions

With an increasing amount of business-related tasks and decisions being supported by communication technology, it is important to understand and explore the vulnerabilities that may result from its use. One of these weaknesses is the transmission of deceptive information. Very little research investigating mediated deception and its detection exists, however. This paper reports the results of one such investigation. An experiment was conducted involving an interactive interview of deceitful applicants for a fictitious scholarship, using one of three different computer-based media. Results showed that people were extremely successful at deceiving others no matter what medium was used, and the only recipients of lies that had a realistic chance at uncovering lies were those who were warned beforehand. There were no differences in the number of false alarms issued by warned and unwarned receivers. Warned receivers also rated their electronic medium poorly. Possible implications of this study are offered.