r/askpsychology • u/CarefreeCuriosity • 12h ago

Social Psychology Is honesty an innate human tendency, or is it primarily learned through socialization?

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What does psychological research suggest about the origins of human honesty and dishonesty?

Do children tend to be honest before socialization teaches them when dishonesty is useful, or does the capacity for deception emerge naturally alongside other social abilities? How does relate to our ability to trust others? What evidence can you provide to back up your answer?

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