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That’s Not Funny… Or is it?
The Dynamics of Laughter and Humour
This piece first appeared in my email newsletter on July 20, 2020. If you’d like to receive pieces like this weeks before I publish them, as well as book recommendations and my latest updates, sign up here. If you’re into human behaviour, psychology, philosophy and the millennial experience, I’d love you to join me.
The average adult laughs about 17 times a day.
Research suggests we can gain psychological and physical benefits from laughter and humour. There are theories that laughter can help reduce stress; decreasing cortisol levels and other elements associated with the stress response, and releasing endorphins. We now even have services providing therapies like “laugher yoga”, which uses simulated laughter to try and enhance participants’ moods.
In other words, as your grandma always knew, laughter is good for the soul.
But what actually makes us laugh?
Research in the area has shed light on laughter as a tool for social engagement. According to one study from 1989, we are 30 times more likely to laugh when with other people than when alone without media.
Laughter is a social activity, sending a message to others. Sometimes we laugh to ease tension, to demonstrate empathy, or to…
