The Science of Trust: Why We’re Bad at Detecting Lies (and How Technology Can Help)

Humans are social creatures  and we’re surprisingly bad at catching lies. Studies from the University of Portsmouth in 2024 show that the average person correctly detects deception only 54% of the time, barely better than chance.

 

Why are we wired this way? And what can you do to sharpen your instincts — without crossing ethical or legal boundaries?

 

At TrueSpyTech, we explore the fascinating science of trust, and how discreet, legal tools can help you make better decisions.

#### Why we fail at detecting lies

 

Our brains are biased toward believing others. Psychologists call this the *truth-default theory* — we assume honesty because it makes social interaction efficient.

But liars know how to exploit that:

 

 Maintaining eye contact to appear sincere

Giving too many details

 Deflecting questions with humor or emotion

 

Even trained professionals, like police officers, often perform only slightly better than average at spotting lies.

 The role of technology

 

In a world where trust is fragile, technology can be your ally when used responsibly.

Some discreet tools can help you observe behavior, verify claims, and protect your interests, such as:

 

 Audio recorders for meetings: keep an accurate record of what was promised.

 Security cameras: document actions without ambiguity.

 Bug detectors: ensure others aren’t spying on you to manipulate you.

 

These tools should always be used legally — for your own protection, or in situations where the other party has given consent or has no reasonable expectation of privacy.

 

Explore our [Professional Tools Collection] to see what’s right for your situation.

 Can you really train yourself to detect lies?

 

To some extent, yes. Experts recommend:

• Focusing on inconsistencies, not emotions.
• Asking unexpected questions.
• Observing microexpressions — fleeting signs of stress or guilt.
• Verifying facts independently.

 

But technology offers an added layer of certainty when relationships, money, or business are at stake.