Typing or messaging? Modality effect on deception detection in computer-mediated communication

Examining whether and how the modality of communication media can influence deception detection in computer-mediated communication revealed that the messaging and the chatting modalities were more conducive to deception detection than the typing modality, and the chats modality is the most preferred for the process of deception detection.

Abstract

Motivated by the practical significance of deception detection to both organizations and individuals and the recent surge of research interests in deception in computer-mediated communication (CMC), this study examines whether and how the modality of communication media can influence deception detection in CMC. The results of empirical evaluations revealed that the messaging and the chatting modalities were more conducive to deception detection than the typing modality, and the chatting modality is the most preferred for the process of deception detection. Additionally, the effect of message veracity was also investigated. The findings raise broader issues about media properties for deception detection.