What makes people laugh?

Question

Does anyone know the scientific information about it? Does it have to do with sense receptors, or it is a psychological issue?

I'm also curious to know what you've noticed makes people laugh...like the type of jokes, topics, etc. Just generalize it. Don't tell me it depends on the person please. =)

Answer 1

Good question (should actually be in the Psychology section) - but anyway - this is what I think:

Depending on one's attitude towards certain subjects/topic or life in general, people will find different things funny. It's actual a matter of both receptors AND psychology of one's personality. See, being individuals - we are brought up in different situations - so therefore are raised in certain ways where culture, religion, family, and media all play a role.

With Media - especially today, there are lot of s*x jokes that teach people certain situations or things can be funny. Also, magazines and people poke a lot of fun at famous people - which also teach us 'whats funny, and what's not'. Eg: in the film Jackass - most people FIND it funny because of the 'acts' preformed. Also, the Scary Movie series poked a lot of fun at, well - almost anything and everything. These all leave some sort of psychological influence on ourselves... sometimes even molding us to THINK a certain way. (Parents also mold us to think a certain way).

Then of course there is our own personal understanding of the language(s) we speak. In the English language, some words have double meanings, or symbols or even imagry. This is what makes a 'joke' so funny (some jokes, at least). Depending on how one thinks, they may find certain things very funny - whereas others will claim "I don't get it". Eg: "He was flying high" can have several different meanings - all depends on the interperation of the words.

Receptors, especially sight and touch in particular can make people laugh. Think about it - we're sensitive to tickling aren't we? - Tickling makes us laugh because of how it feels (and sometimes even the situation -eg: tickled by a loved one). And let's not forget SEEING things that are funny too - most people rely a lot on sight - sight plays a role in laughing too. Eg: Know people who start laughing when seeing others laugh? Prehaps even people who start laughing listening to other laugh?

- well, I tried to generalize it... not sure if I did a good job of it though. Wasn't very scientific either - but I hope I got my opinion across.

Answer 2

receptials in the brain trigger mechanical reflexes that send out reactions to different stimulations.

Answer 3

this is a cheap way of trying to become a comedian isn't it>?

Answer 4

I think it is some type of man-made chemical in the water and in every type of food, otherwise considered to be heavy drugs.

Answer 5

A good book once pointed out to me that most humor is at least in part based on the misfortune of someone. Go through the jookes you know and see if you can find one without something awkward, embarassing, or otherwise unpleasant things happening to a character. Of course, not all jokes are like this but many are.

The exception to the rule would be puns, but a lot of people don't find them funny.

By the way, the name of the book escapes me now, but it was a fiction book. Nevertheless, I've thought about it and I think it's right.

If you come to agree, don't refrain from humor over it. That's just the way it is.

Answer 6

I've thought about this a lot.  It appears to be a non aggressive response to social incongruity.  Any situation that causes social discomfort gives opportunity for laughter.  Almost all jokes revolve around social discomfort- we laugh instead of showing fear anger or aggression.  Analyze any joke you know and you'll find that it revolves around an absurd social situation.  Laughter is a social safety valve.  Studies show that laughter relieves stress.  Social tension is a major source of stress.  

If you don't believe me just watch an episode of the Three Stooges- three men acting in what is normally a socially unacceptable manner.  The behavior is at once wrong and ludicrous.  Imagine yourself not having a sense of humor and not understanding the concept of motion pictures.  Your first response at seeing the three stooges should be to call the police.  Yet we don't.  It's funny.