From the NSA scandal to the ‘white lies’ people often tell themselves, the world seems riddled with more deceit than ever. We sat down with acclaimed behavioural economist Dan Ariely to learn more about the driving forces behind dishonesty.

Until the ’80s the notion of romance didn’t really exist in China. But now, Roseonly, a luxury florist, is not simply selling roses to lovers but insisting that its customers define themselves as soulmates. How did schmalz become so popular in a country with a flourishing mistress culture and creeping divorce rate?

In the homeland of geishas and love hotels, it should come as no surprise that for adultery website Ashley Madison, business is booming. Of the 37 countries the site operates in, growth in Japan has been the fastest: it reached a million users within nine months.

Almost half of people in a relationship have contemplated cheating because their partner pays too much attention to their smartphone. Ironically, a number of apps to aid them in doing so are gaining popularity, like the growing TigerText – Snapchat for texts.