Darkness begets dishonesty, study finds.
Dim lights can make it seem as if no one is watching, triggering moral transgressions in many people, a new study suggests.
Past research has shown that when people are concealed from view by others, say when they are wearing hoods, these individuals will be more likely to commit criminal acts and other bad behaviors.
But what about times when we’re not actually anonymous – people can see us – yet we feel like we’re hidden? The researchers of the new study describe it as the adult version of hide-and-seek: Kids often believe no one can see them when they cover their eyes even though they are hiding in plain sight. Turns out, a dark room can have a similar psychological effect on adults.
So does it follow that women who don’t cover are likely to be more honest and have fewer moral transgressions than those who do?
