Which best describes how lying by omission affects communication?

Lying by omission affects communication primarily by complicating the message. When key information is deliberately left out, the recipient of the message is not receiving a complete understanding of the context or the situation. This lack of transparency can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, as the audience is missing crucial pieces of the puzzle that could alter their perceptions or decisions. Consequently, instead of providing clarity, the communication becomes muddled, necessitating further explanation or correction to clarify the truth.

In contrast, simplifying a message would typically involve providing clear and concise information without unnecessary details or omissions. Enhancing trust usually relies on open and honest communication where all relevant information is presented, while encouraging dialogue involves fostering an environment where information is exchanged freely. Lying by omission works against these principles by introducing ambiguity and diminishing the overall effectiveness of the communication.