Telling Tall Tales on Twitter and Text

New Research Shows That People are More Likely to Hide the Truth Behind Modern Technology

LONDON, October 22, 2010 - Social networking site Twitter has been hailed as a revolution
in communication but it seems that conversing in the bite-size chat room may
not be as straightforward as it seems, according to the 'Straight Talking
Report' from Direct Line*.

The 'Straight Talking Report' found that people are more
likely to be dishonest when chatting using technology, such as Twitter, than
they would be face to face. Just one in five people (20 per cent) profess to
being more truthful on Twitter or text, compared to a third (31 per cent) who
state that they are more frank when speaking to someone in the flesh.

It might not surprise women that men are less likely to be
honest via text than themselves (17 per cent of men compared to 21 per cent
of women), as texting appears to have played a part in recent male celebrity
scandals. Perhaps more surprising is the fact that women are less likely to
be truthful in person than men, with 12 per cent more men claiming to be
honest face to face than women.

Psychologist Glenn Wilson said: "Modern technologies, such as
smartphones, social networking and instant messaging have been hailed as
innovations in the way people interact, removing obstacles to conversation
and allowing for openness of discourse. However, we sometimes use these means
of communication rather than a face-to-face encounter or a full conversation
when we want to be untruthful, as it is easier to fib to someone when we
don't have to deal with their reactions or control our own body language."

Matt Owen, spokesperson for Direct Line, said: "Having lots of
friends and not enough time to see them can lead to an over-reliance on
social networks and technology to keep in touch. However, this research shows
that if you want to get the truth from someone, face to face is the best way
to get a straight answer."

For more information, please contact Unity on +44(0)207-440-9810

Notes to editors

About the research

* Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,012 British adults
from 3rd -7th June 2010 for Direct Line

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use
the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home,
travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer
in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers
can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling
+0845-246-3761 (motor) or +0845-246-3564 (home) or visiting
www.directline.com

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial
Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9
1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services
Authority's Register can be accessed through www.fsa.gov.uk/

Natalie Wheeler- Natalie at hellounity.com