855: That’s a Weird Thing to Lie About

This American Life episode explores the perspectives of autistic individuals on the prevalence and nature of lying in neurotypical society. The interview features Kasey, an autistic person, discussing her experiences with and understanding of deception, contrasting it with neurotypical social conventions. Kasey's perspective highlights the perceived incongruity between literal truth and social pleasantries, exemplified by common phrases like "It was great to see you." The episode also delves into a case study of a major online hoax, "A Gay Girl in Damascus," revealing how easily false narratives can spread and impact real-world events. Ultimately, the podcast prompts listeners to consider the different functions of lies and their impact on social interactions and perceptions of truth.