It may seem incomprehensible at first that someone would jeopardize their future by turning in a phony transcript rather than obtaining one via hard work. After all, being caught has serious repercussions, including missed opportunities, damaged reputation, and even legal issues. However, the use of phony transcripts keeps growing. We must examine the psychology of the decision in greater detail in order to comprehend why.
Expectations and pressure are two important factors. Education is viewed as the route to success, respect, and financial security in many families and cultures. The weight of disappointment can be too much to bear when someone struggles academically or doesn’t receive the grades that are expected of them. Some people use phony transcripts as a means of meeting expectations—even if dishonestly—instead of taking criticism.
The need for shortcuts is another important psychological factor. Years of study, perseverance, and discipline are necessary for hard work in education. A phony transcript, on the other hand, gives the impression of success right away. This appeals to a very human propensity to value short-term gains over sustained effort, particularly in a society where quick fixes are marketed everywhere—from fast food to on-demand entertainment.
Fear of failing is another factor. The idea of making an academic attempt and failing is worse than not trying at all for some people. They are shielded from the humiliation of subpar performance by a phony transcript. Even if the success is based on lies, they try to avoid the criticism that comes with failure by portraying themselves as more successful than they actually are.
Rationalization is an additional psychological component. Many people who fabricate transcripts persuade themselves that it’s okay or that they will eventually obtain the credentials they assert. They might tell themselves, “I’ll fix this later once I have the time,” or “I already know the material, so the transcript just reflects my abilities.” These defenses make it simpler to transgress moral limits without facing the full extent of the dishonesty.
Desperation comes next. Some people experience obstacles that make education seem unattainable, such as limited opportunities in their area, financial difficulties, or difficulty accessing quality schools. A phony transcript seems to be their only option. This illustrates how inequality can lead people to make dangerous decisions, even though it does not justify the behavior.
Paradoxically, people who select phony transcripts frequently feel more anxious and insecure than relieved.
Constantly worrying about being discovered can be exhausting, and many people suffer from imposter syndrome because they know they don’t have the skills their transcript indicates. The short-term feeling of accomplishment may eventually be outweighed by this psychological cost.
Knowing the psychology underlying phony transcripts enables us to see that the issue is not just one of dishonesty but also of human needs and anxieties. Society can lessen the allure of phony transcripts by tackling these underlying issues, which include lowering pressure, developing alternate learning pathways, and improving accessibility to education.
In the end, selecting a phony transcript over diligence is a reflection of people’s anxieties and pressures, not just a moral failing. Although taking the shortcut might provide a brief sense of relief, the long-term costs to opportunity, trust, and self-worth are too regrettable.