Beijing - Too tired to go to work but don't know what to tell your boss? Trying to ditch plans to go out with your girl and don't know how to do it? Not to worry, help is just a cell phone away. The advent of cellular phone software on the Internet is helping users tell lies, state media reported.

The software provides different background noises that make its sound like the caller is in a different environment than he or she actually is. For example, the caller can program the background to sound like a noisy restaurant, or a quiet study hall, depending on where he or she wants the person they are calling to believe they are.

The software appears on the heels of a news report that shows the number of China's Internet users has jumped to 137 million, overtaking the United States. As of last year, there were 462 million mobile phone users in China.

The use of this software has caused an uproar in a country has long been branding itself as a nation of honesty and trust.

"Amid unprecedented pressure from work and life, the invention of this software that helps tell little white lies is beneficial for users in venting their pent-up stress and protecting their privacy," the Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News quoted readers as saying.

"The product is built based on high technology. It makes much more sense if it is not used to help users tell lies," Chinadaily Website online editor Wang Liangliang said, adding it is useful for teachers to create multi-sound presentations for students and for students to practice listening to English in a multi-sound environment.

Readers interviewed also added that the use of the software should be in accordance with the law and should not be used to harm others.

While some emphasized its value, others scoffed at the existence of the software with  skeptics believing it is ruining the country's ethics. 

An employee at a business consultant company named Julia who always uses her cell phone to do transactions told the Chinadaily Website that users who turn to the software to tell lies are ridiculous. "Why do they need new technology to tell lies?"

In response to the question of whether or not having a ready excuse or backup for their lies reduces stress, Julia said it is a matter of human nature.

"Lies cannot be hidden," Julia said, adding they would-be exposed sooner or later.

Some argue that because telling lies is easier with the help of new technology it will help spread dishonesty throughout the country.

"Honesty is a deep-rooted virtue in the country with a long history. The so-called 'invention' intents to make a bundle based on traditional virtue, which is deserved to be seriously condemned," many said.

Double-edged Sword

Professors called the new product a double-edge sword, which is likely to be detrimental to teenage development.

"Using the software to deceive others as to your whereabouts can be construed as lying, some say. . Even though the users of this product intend to protect themselves, they might harm the feelings of those they are deceiving," Zhejiang University Social Sciences Department professor Liu Zhijun told the Yangcheng Evening News.

"What we need amongst people is trust and honesty. The rampant use of this software is likely to have a bad influence on teenagers," said Liu.

An unnamed researcher at Heilong Institute of Social Sciences told the Yangcheng Evening New there are different degrees to using the software. "Overuse or illegal use of the product will jeopardize the social virtue of honesty."

Legal holes

According to present law in China, the software is not illegal. But illegal use may lead to punishment.

"If it is used for fraud with grave consequences, the person may face punishment," lawyer Qian Xuehui told the paper.