Why do so many people exaggerate so much?

Question

There are just sooo many people I've seen who exaggerate. Now I don't intend any racism but this seems to be most common among Westerners. They either over-criticize something or overly praise it. There's no in between. There are also people who exaggerate how much or how little there is of something. For example: Some people say a show runs for 3 hours though actually it is only 30 minutes. Some people might say an action movie is just action scenes with no plot despite the fact that if they got a watch and carefully analysed how much plot and dialogue there is there is really very little action at all. Anyone else hate it when people exaggerate?

Answer 1

Much of this is due to insecurity on their part, so that plain everyday stuff has to be hyped up to the max. It's a way of seeking attention, that they perceive that they need, due to their over-inflated opinions of themselves, that is at odds with their insecurities - sadly the results don't last, as these people are still insecure at heart. So they perpetuate the cycle, over and over, never really feeling better about themselves.

There are cultural influences, there's also some hyping by UK people too, as well as the understatement, that could be viewed as somewhat more refined and not brash. (UK people have insecurities too, of course).

So, in some circles, it's deemed inadequate to have a reasonable day, it's essential that it's a fantastic day, when informing others. These influences are strong, as people have a need to 'fit-in' to social circles, potentially not being seen as 'negative' or 'pessimistic'. The flip side of this is that it becomes harder to trust someone's opinion on things, if they are in 24x7 exaggeration mode.

Who's gonna trust the employee who constantly claims everything is perfect, targets are beyond schedule etc, if the reality is normally the opposite? Being honest at heart is something that people respect in others, as people like this are more reliably accurate and dependable.

Answer 2

I have noticed this as well.
It seems to be part of the North American culture to use hyperbole when speaking. I have also noticed that in the UK it is exactly the opposite. They use understatement to make a point.
I think that the exaggeration is not meant to confuse, but to emphasize, even though it definitely does not make for good communication.
If your friends do this, and it is annoying, why not ask them specific questions? After a while they will realize that they are not communicating with you very well. It may well be that we are using this conversational short-hand to substitute for any real description
I agree!

Answer 3

I hate it too but when I meet people like this I do the same back only worse. That should shut them up. If someone told me they bought a Mercedes I say I have a hummer, which in truth I do! But if they say Porshe which is a lie, then I say BMW - so it works well. In life learn to give back what you give and these losers will always respect you no matter what.

Answer 4

it is done basically to win you over to their way of seeing things