• Question: why do we laugh?

    Asked by evelina100 to Anil, Blanka, Cees, Emma, Mike on 2 Jul 2012.
    • Photo: Blanka Sengerova

      Blanka Sengerova answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      Apparently it’s something our unconscious brain does and laughter is a way for us to communicate which works without language requirements. But it appears that there’s still much research to be done as to why laughter is set off. An interesting (although over 10 years old!) article was here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3077386/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/big-mystery-why-do-we-laugh/#.T_HlL_WJ7h0

    • Photo: Emma Trantham

      Emma Trantham answered on 3 Jul 2012:

      As Blanka said, laughter is just one of the ways we can communicate with each other. Researchers who’ve looked at it think that it’s a very important way that we signal we are friends with each other and part of the same social group. (Even nervous laughter fits this – it’s our way of trying to communicate that we are friendly and only have the best intentions.)

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