The behavior of humans who laugh represents an enigmatic trait that unites all people from different backgrounds. People across all human societies practice this behavior which we learn to do before we develop speech. People often recognize laughter as a basic response to funny things yet it serves as a complex full-body reaction that engages brain function and lung activity and social behavior. Scientists believe that humor evolved as essential survival skills which permit social bonding between people.
The “False Alarm” Theory
Scientists believe that laughter developed as a communication method for people to transmit information about threats which had been incorrectly assessed as dangerous yet required assessment. The sound of bushes rustling leads you to laugh when you discover that the source of the noise is a bunny rabbit and not a tiger. The message to your tribe becomes clear through your laughter which declares that everything remains fine.
Social Bonding
People do not typically use laughter as an individual entertainment method. People who join together in a group setting show a 30 times higher probability of laughing compared to their solitary existence. The material functions as a social adhesive which demonstrates to others that you possess a friendly and peaceful nature while belonging to the same group.
The Brain’s “Three-Step” Process
The brain processes jokes through three distinct phases which start with the first phase of the setup generating anticipatory feelings. The punchline generates a break from established anticipatory expectations through its introduction of contrasting elements. The brain resolves its internal conflict through discovering the humorous link which leads to spontaneous laughter.
Physical “Internal Jogging”
Laughter acts as a physical exercise activity. Your body experiences multiple effects through this activity because it increases your heart rate and causes your abdominal muscles to work while you need to take deep breathes. A person experiences physical tiredness after experiencing an extended period of laughter due to the body not getting enough rest from laughing.
Dopamine and Endorphins
Your brain produces a mixture of positive mood chemicals whenever you laugh. Dopamine creates a rewarding experience while endorphins operate as natural pain relief substances. Laughter has earned its reputation as “the best medicine” because it produces actual changes in your biological chemical composition.
Superiority Theory
People from ancient times believed that laughter resulted from feeling superior to others who suffered through unfortunate situations or clumsy moments. Slapstick comedy has maintained its humor value because people find entertainment in watching others face sudden falls from standing positions.
The Tickle Mystery
Tickling forces people into laughter through its natural mechanism. Scientists believe it serves as a bonding activity for parents and children because they need to practice self-defense moves in a protected environment. The brain already knows the exact location of the sensation so you cannot tickle yourself because there is no element of surprise to it.
Stress Relief
Laughter operates as a release mechanism which helps the nervous system reduce its pressure. A joke serves as an icebreaker after a tense period to help people reach a state of relaxed body function because it lowers stress hormone levels which include cortisol.
Cognitive Flexibility
Humor operates through the requirement of unconventional thought processes. To achieve successful comedic understanding you must observe situations through two simultaneous perception methods. People with a strong sense of humor create impressive artistic works while they solve intricate challenges.
