Dishonesty

Dishonesty exists on a spectrum, from minor social lubricants to life-altering frauds:

Cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication within educational settings, often reported via a "Long Form Incident Report" for serious cases. Psychological and Biological Drivers dishonesty

Dishonesty intended for personal gain, to avoid punishment, or to enhance one's image. Dishonesty exists on a spectrum, from minor social

Functional MRI scans show that lying increases activity in the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—meaning it is more taxing than telling the truth. To maintain a positive self-image, people often rationalize

To maintain a positive self-image, people often rationalize their lies (e.g., "everyone does it"), which reduces internal discomfort and facilitates future dishonesty. Academic Honesty : Arts, Sciences & Engineering

Repeated lying desensitizes the brain's amygdala (the emotional center). Over time, individuals feel less guilt or anxiety about lying, making larger deceptions easier to commit.