What about the lies you tell yourself? Aren't you also aware of these? After all, you know when you've had "one too many" of something that's bad for you. It's not pleasant to admit it, but the truth is definitely "out there" (or, in this case, "in here"). An act of self-deception may seem pretty harmless, all things considered, especially when compared to lying to others. But why bother? There's nothing really in it for you other than maybe feeling better in the moment.
At some point in our lives, most of us have been told to "put on a happy face" or "fake it 'til you make it." But it may be detrimental to pretend to be happy when you're not. The more people value happiness, the more unhappy they are A 2024 study by Zerwas, et al. surveyed 1,800 people about their level of happiness and their desire to be happy.
Evidence suggests that watching debates has no impact on opinions whatsoever. A study tracking 100,000 respondents found no evidence that debates helped voters make up their minds.