The case for oversharing

Imagine you’re deciding who to date based on answers to questions on their online profile. Questions like, “Have you ever stolen anything worth more than one hundred dollars?” or, “Have you ever neglected to tell a partner you have an STD?” One person answered every question. The other left them blank. Who would you pick?

It turns out most people would choose the one who admitted to the irresponsible behavior.

This week, we talk to the researcher who conducted that study, Leslie John. She says that revealing the sometimes-ugly truth about ourselves can build trust and lead to more honest, meaningful relationships. The problem today, as she sees it, isn’t too much information. It’s too little. She has a new book titled, Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing.