The article presents peculiarities of understanding and usage of lie in adaptation behavior of modern students youth. We discoverd the content of main theoretical approaches to study of strategies of adaptation behavior. We showed the results of empirical study of strategies of adaptation behavior, which was based on student selectionof student (n = 230; 18–23 years old). Applied tools: The usage of adaptation questionnaire by X. Bell, multiple-factor personal questionnaire by R. Cattel (16PF – form C), interpersonal questionnaire by T. Leary (Diagnostics of Interpersonal Relations), Mac-questionnaire by V. V. Znakov, the questionnaire of empathic tendencies by I. M. Yusupov, methods of study the level of pretensions and self-acceptance by T. V. Dembo, S. Ia. Rubinstein (in the modification of A. M. Prihozhan), «Personal differential», authorial originalquestionnaire, focused on detection of special aspects of understanding the category of lie – let us to define interdependence between the idea of students about lie, the character of their adaptation, preferential strategies of behavior in interpersonal relations and also the degree of development of empathic and Machiavellian tendencies. We defined the differences in character and direction of lie usage in particular strategies of social behavior. The obtained results let to definedefining possible determinant and basis of moral regulators of social behavior of students youth.