Which characteristic is indicative of potential untruthful behavior?

Long response times can indicate potential untruthful behavior primarily because they may signal that the individual is taking extra time to fabricate a response or is struggling to recall the truth. When someone is being honest, their responses are often more immediate, as they typically do not need to think extensively about what actually happened. Conversely, someone who is lying may hesitate, leading to longer pauses as they devise a believable story or reconstruct events in their mind.

In the context of human communication, rapid responses are generally associated with spontaneity and genuine recollection. If a person consistently takes longer to answer questions, it could point to a lack of confidence in their statements or even a desire to manipulate the situation by carefully crafting their words, which can be characteristic of deceptive behavior.