Robert Provine is considered to be one of the world’s
leading researchers in the field of laughter.
This makes me rethink my major.
Provine has discovered that babies laugh 300 times a day,
but adults only 20 times, genes influence our patterns of laughter, and that
90% of giggles follow non-funny remarks.
Why would someone laugh at something that was not amusing?
Turns out we use laughter much as some people use alcohol. It allows us to bond
together in a shared experience. That
explains why people are 30% more likely to laugh when they are with someone
than when they are alone. It also helps us understand why the giggles are so
contagious. And why sitcoms have laugh tracks.
Humor does have a dark side. When company leaders belittle
their subordinates, this negative behavior is perpetuated throughout the
company.
On the other hand, the benefits of laughter have been well
documented. Pain has been relieved, depression lifted, and a variety of other
ills cured by a regimen of belly laughs.
So grab yourself a funny video, gather some friends, and
start smiling!
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