Why Honesty Is Becoming So Hard | Christian Miller

The "honesty crisis" stems from a combination of increased incentives for dishonesty and the growing difficulty of detection, driven largely by technological advancements like AI. While truth-telling is a core component, true honesty requires a virtuous disposition and motivation that transcends self-interest. Despite the prevalence of "truth-default" psychology, where people generally expect and provide truth, social media environments often suppress accuracy in favor of tribal signaling and reputation management. Bullshitting—speaking without regard for truth to advance personal interests—poses a distinct and often greater danger than lying. Cultivating honesty requires moving beyond performative actions toward building accountability, acknowledging personal shortcomings, and recognizing that while honesty is a vital virtue, it must sometimes be balanced against other moral imperatives, such as compassion in extreme circumstances.