Scientific approach:
“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” – Sigmund Freud (psychoanalyst who explored the link between humor and defense mechanisms)
Lighthearted approach:
“A joke is a very serious thing.” – W.C. Fields (comedian known for his grumpy persona and self-deprecating humor)

Laughter, the Best Medicine: My Journey to Discover What Tickles My Funny Bone

Have you ever heard a joke that lands with a thud instead of a roar? Or perhaps you’ve been the one telling the side-splitting story that only gets crickets in response? We’ve all been there. Humor is subjective, a delicate dance between delivery, timing, and what resonates with each individual’s funny bone.

For me, laughter has always been a source of joy and connection. It can turn a mundane Tuesday into a delightful escapade. But what exactly makes me laugh? Buckle up, because I’m on a quest to uncover the science and silliness behind my own amusement.

According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology [1], humor appreciation is influenced by a combination of factors. Roughly 80% of humor appreciation is based on personality traits like openness to experience and agreeableness. The other 20% is a delightful mystery – a unique blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and even our genetic makeup! So, what tickles me might leave you scratching your head, and that’s okay!

Join me on this laughter-filled exploration as we delve into the world of jokes, puns, and witty observations that tickle my funny bone. We’ll dissect the science of humor, explore the psychology of laughter, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll share a few of my favorites (hopefully they don’t fall flat!).

Let’s get giggling!

Source:

[1] Michael R. Cunningham, Jennifer A. Wilmot, Robin R. Vallacher, & William I. B. Beverland (2007). Humor appreciation and negative affectivity reduction in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93(1), 110-119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355006/