Assistant professor in social computing at the University of Maryland, Yla Tausczik, wrote in her study: “Secrets are inherently social.
“We often withhold important events, thoughts, or emotions from others to maintain ongoing social relationships.
“With the archival nature of emails and other social media, it is now possible to examine the actual social network and communication patterns as a secret unfolded."
Of all the secrets found in the study published in the New Scientist, most of the recruits were hiding adultery or closeted sexuality.
Others had secrets which they felt would destroy their professional or school life if they were revealed.
One woman even had a sex hotline set up in her home that only her best friend new about.
Professor of Communication at University of California Santa Barbara, Dr Norah Dunbar, has said that this research could lead to systems that can detect deception automatically.
The University of Maryland team will present their results at the International Conference on Web and Social Media in Cologne, Germany, this month.
