Why do people sometimes pretend to know more than they do?
The fear of appearing ignorant is often stronger than ignorance itself.
People sometimes pretend to know more because social confidence is often rewarded more than honesty.
Nobody wants to say, 'I don't know.'\n\nEspecially in public.\n\nThe hidden mechanism is fake expertise.\n\nHumans protect social status.\n\nCompetence signals safety.\n\nIgnorance feels vulnerable.\n\nPeople think pretending protects reputation.\n\nVery often, honesty does.
