The psychology of laughter: why comedy brings us together
In the midst of life's twists and turns, whether we realise it or not, we all want something that reminds us of how wonderful it is to be alive. Many people seek excitement via adrenaline rushes... for example, by taking up sports, or playing casino games. That's one of the reasons best casino sites have become so popular - they deliver addictive dopamine rushes by simply tapping a button. But it's not just casino games that give us joy though - we also derive it from exploring our passions, hitting our goals, and many other activities that make us feel like we are truly living in our purpose.
Of course, given we're a website about comedy, we'd emphasise that comedy plays a big role in enriching all our lives. Here we look at why laughter is so important:
The psychology of laughter
Why do people go out of their way to catch comedy shows, crack jokes, or even read jokes? Well, it turns out that it is all psychological. How so?
1. The urge to feel good. Have you ever noticed how you feel after a good laugh? Even food tastes better! The heightening of your senses in this positive manner points to the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in your body that make you feel so good that they can even make you forget about your emotional or physical pain.
2. The drive to connect with others. If you pay attention, you will realise that sharing a laugh with someone makes you feel closer to them, even if they are strangers. This shared experience implies that the two of you have common interests, which naturally draws you to them. So, the next time you are wondering how you can get closer to the people around you, how about finding some comedy you have in common and sharing it?
3. The need for relaxation. Over time, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline build up in our systems. If you are lost in the jungle and need to stay safe, you want these hormones backing you all the way. But if you are going about your daily life where flight or fight is unnecessary, you want to 'even out' these hormones so you can enjoy better focus and rest. Laughing is the way to do this. When you laugh, you signal to your body that all is well and that your body can relax. It makes it easier for you to go about life.
And finally, we have our innate desire to change how we look at things. When something bad happens, you can choose to laugh at the situation to give yourself the mental space you need to accept the situation rather than wallow in sorrow. Of course, this is not to say that everything is a laughing matter - the context always matters. But sometimes, laughing can be the best way to deal with a tough situation.
Does laughter unite us?
As we just mentioned, laughing with other people enables us to connect with each other. How so?
- It has no social boundaries. Laughter is a unifying language - if something is funny, it remains funny regardless of socioeconomic factors. For example, a lighthearted prank will appeal to most people. And when you share laughter that breaks down the typical social boundaries, you find it easier to forge connections and resolve any issues that exist between people.
- It creates memories. When you share a good laugh with someone, the memory of this experience carries through time. It helps you feel connected with them, even as time passes.
- It is a great way to break the ice. When people are feeling anxious about a situation, you can put them at ease by sharing a joke.
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