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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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How large language models separate truth from lies by modeling the user

Authors: Hedberg, Annika;

How large language models separate truth from lies by modeling the user

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used to evaluate human statements, yet their ability to detect deception remains unclear. This study examines whether such models can distinguish authentic from fabricated autobiographical claims when interacting with a familiar user under specific relational conditions. Two distinct systems, ChatGPT-4o and Claude Sonnet 4.5, each assessed 25 pairs of personal statements and correctly identified the truthful version in 24 cases. Both failed on the same item and independently explained their reasoning, revealing convergent metacognitive strategies. Analysis shows that both models tracked phenomenological authenticity rather than factual accuracy, identifying linguistic and affective markers of lived experience. The probability of this convergence occurring by chance is estimated at 1 in 45 trillion. These findings suggest that under relational conditions, language models do not simply match patterns: they construct and apply internal representations of users, enabling detection of epistemic signatures beyond the reach of standard factual verification.

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    popularity
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    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green