09/14/2025
Figure out what makes you laugh.
While it’s possible to stop yourself from laughing in inappropriate settings, it’s often much harder to laugh on demand. When you try to force a laugh, it’s often obvious to others.[1] The good news is that you’re about 30 times more likely to laugh in the presence of others. That means it's easy to start laughing when others are laughing.[2]
Many believe we laugh over the misfortunes of others because it makes us feel superior.
Others believe that laughter is a way to release pent-up nervous energy.
Another reason for laughter is that we are delighted and amused when something surprises us or goes against our expectations.
A modern theory that combines these explanations is benign violation, which means that we find humor when ethical, social, or physical norms have been violated, but the violation isn’t serious.
