Deceptive communication is created and ruled by a reciprocal game between the communicators. As many researchers have pointed out, senders and receivers influence one another’s behaviour as deceptive interchanges unfold. Since people tend to adapt their communication stream over time, it appears to be critical to consider not just individual psychological features but also interpersonal communicative processes when analyzing deceptive communication. In particular, deceivers have the chance to cooperate with victims when lying, e.g. anticipating their needs.

The current study aimed at investigating the relevance of social interaction and of shared intentionality in deceptive communication by analyzing cooperative lies as activities which anticipate targets’ needs. Specifically, we analyzed the differences between cooperative and non cooperative deception in close and casual relationships. In a diary study, 101 graduates and 70 community members recorded daily their social interactions and lies for a week. Data showed that deceiving is more cooperative in close relationships rather than in casual relationships. Social implications of the current findings in interpersonal relations were discussed.