Why do we find certain things funny?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the subjective nature of humor, emphasizing that what one person finds funny, another may not. A key observation is that humor often arises from perceived ignorance or clumsiness, which can evoke feelings of trust and care in the observer. The conversation suggests that laughter is linked to a non-threatening display of weakness, akin to the innocence of a newborn kitten. While the biological mechanisms behind humor are not fully explored, the social and emotional aspects of humor are highlighted as significant factors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of social psychology concepts related to humor
  • Basic knowledge of emotional responses to social interactions
  • Familiarity with the role of ignorance in humor perception
  • Awareness of the biological underpinnings of laughter and humor
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the psychological theories of humor, such as the Incongruity Theory
  • Explore the role of social bonding in humor through studies in social psychology
  • Investigate the neurological basis of laughter and humor perception
  • Examine case studies on humor in various cultural contexts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, sociologists, comedians, and anyone interested in the dynamics of humor and its impact on social interactions.

Skhandelwal
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What's funny to one person isn't funny to another. Some say it is gross, while other give it a good laugh. I started to notice a pattern that comedyness has some blend of stupidiness into it but I was proven wrong later on. There are moments we laugh, what makes laugh?(humorly)

Is it a case of opinion of do scientist have answers to this?

Thanks for the replies!
 
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I've seemed to notice it's when someone is being ignorant. I can't go into all the technical biological details as some here on the chemicals involved but I have noticed it's when someone is being ignorant. Name any instance where a laugh can't be contributed to it.

Now as to why, I guess it comes down to man just being more light-hearted to someone who displays it. Since the person isn't perceived as a threat, it makes us feel better about them and more trustworthy since we can see an inherent weakness. And also our parenting side comes into play giving us perhaps a need to take care of the person or befriend them. But don't get me wrong on the ignorance, it's not meant in a derogatory way. A kitten is ignorant of the world when first born just as we all are yet it makes us laugh or smile. Someone does a clumsy action portraying, in a sense, they are ignorant or unobservant of things around them. And if they're not hurt, we may laugh and feel a caring for them since we see a weak side of them.

Yeah, I'm no neurologist, but no one else responded so I thought I would give you my 2 cents.
 

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