3 ms·

Ulgh, knowing the polygraph is a lie is actually a huge hazard for you. I once had to take a polygraph test, and I was freaking the fuck out because I knew bei

Ulgh, knowing the polygraph is a lie is actually a huge hazard for you. I once had to take a polygraph test, and I was freaking the fuck out because I knew being nervous will register me as a liar, and I wasn't actually lying at all. I tried my best to stay calm, but I was freaking out during the test, and I actually did fail the polygraph, but passed after a retest. It's such bullshit. I wish they got rid of this bullshit technology from this earth, because I had so much on the line and I was absolutely miserable before and during the test.

ok_dad 4y ago
I am sorry you had to go through that, but why would you take it if you knew it was scientifically unsound? I would just say "no, this is scientifically unsound" and refuse to participate. They're going to "detect" whatever they want from my words and punish me accordingly, so I might as well say nothing.
- PeterisP 4y ago
  Well, because you don't get a choice, if you don't take it then you don't get what you want (for example, a security clearance or a job), it tends to be a non-negotiable requirement. You wouldn't get a criminal conviction by refusing to participate, but in other contexts refusal to participate can be (and is) treated the same as failing it.
  - ok_dad 4y ago
    Ah yes, the good old security clearance polygraph. My friend failed that one 3 times through nervousness. I believe that whole process is just partly to make you nervous and off-balance while they ask you probing questions and partly to signal that you, as an applicant, are willing to ask "how high?" when the government says jump. I did a few clearance processes when I was in the military, ultimately got a TS-SCI, but never took a polygraph; I think because I had a clean-as-a-sheet record since I joined the military a week after my 18th birthday.
  - nonrandomstring 4y ago
    It's a compliance test. If you'll take a polygraph (or engage in any other witchcraft ritual) then you're probably malleable enough to do other dumb things against your better judgement. In other words you'll act dishonestly to please others or advance yourself. That is to say - it really is a lie detector, just one for seeing how well you can lie to yourself.

ok_dad 4y ago

I am sorry you had to go through that, but why would you take it if you knew it was scientifically unsound? I would just say "no, this is scientifically unsound" and refuse to participate. They're going to "detect" whatever they want from my words and punish me accordingly, so I might as well say nothing.

PeterisP 4y ago
Well, because you don't get a choice, if you don't take it then you don't get what you want (for example, a security clearance or a job), it tends to be a non-negotiable requirement. You wouldn't get a criminal conviction by refusing to participate, but in other contexts refusal to participate can be (and is) treated the same as failing it.
- ok_dad 4y ago
  Ah yes, the good old security clearance polygraph. My friend failed that one 3 times through nervousness. I believe that whole process is just partly to make you nervous and off-balance while they ask you probing questions and partly to signal that you, as an applicant, are willing to ask "how high?" when the government says jump. I did a few clearance processes when I was in the military, ultimately got a TS-SCI, but never took a polygraph; I think because I had a clean-as-a-sheet record since I joined the military a week after my 18th birthday.
- nonrandomstring 4y ago
  It's a compliance test. If you'll take a polygraph (or engage in any other witchcraft ritual) then you're probably malleable enough to do other dumb things against your better judgement. In other words you'll act dishonestly to please others or advance yourself. That is to say - it really is a lie detector, just one for seeing how well you can lie to yourself.