Lying and Eye Contact Myth

Lying and Eye Contact

Fact or Fiction

Stan B. Walters

Lying and eye contact is one of the many reasons I started TheLieGuyBlog.com to deal with myths just like this one.  It’s one of those myths that just won’t die. 

I was cruising the web doing some research and looking for current published articles on deception, lying, and interview and interrogation.  I found a main web page by an “expert” in Canada who is offering a book on the Internet through their website.  Right smack in the middle of the “contents” section, the “expert” clearly stated how you can spot deception by watching for poor eye contact.  Also mentioned were armed crossing, leg crossing, fidgeting, and similar myths. 

Hey folks!  Do a little research in “scientific journals” and you’ll find eye contact is the worst thing to look for as a cue to deception.  Dr. Bella DePaulo reviewed more than 40 different studies that proved that the eye contact of liars is no different than truth tellers. 

No wonder so many people including investigative interviewers miss deception.  Think of all the truthful people erroneously labeled as liars!

There are MANY reasons a person may break eye contact and it doesn’t mean deception.  It can be a person with a very submissive personality.  Different cultures can have different degrees of eye contact such as females may not maintain strong eye contact with males and even vice versa.  Some groups don’t exhibit extensive eye contact with an authority figure or someone considered as an elder. The person can be embarrassed about discussing the top or the topic is a little taboo.  There are also situations when poor eye contact can be a symptom of emotional, psychological, or personality disorder.

There are a LOT of ignorant people that just keep on perpetuating these myths. Why would you trust ANYONE who is still teaching these concepts to investigators?  You know, you can’t let a silly thing like science get in the way of preconceived notions.

Just my observations…what about you? (Make sure you are giving me good eye contact so I’ll believe your answer! )

Stan B. Walters
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