Why Do We Laugh?

Several jokes were harmed in the making of this video
↓ More info and sources below ↓

Laughing is a universal human behavior, one that transcends borders of language and culture. But it's also REALLY WEIRD. Why do we do it? The answer has less to do with humor than you might think
Learn more:

Have an idea for an episode or an amazing science question you want answered? Leave a comment or check us out at the links below!

-----------------
It's Okay To Be Smart is written and hosted by Joe Hanson, Ph.DFollow me on Twitter: @jtotheizzoe
Email me: itsokaytobesmart AT gmail DOT com

Joe Hanson - Creator/Host/Writer
Joe Nicolosi - Director
Amanda Fox - Producer, Spotzen IncKate Eads - Producer
Andrew Matthews - Editing/Motion Graphics/Animation
Katie Graham - Camera
John Knudsen - Gaffer

Theme music: "Ouroboros" by Kevin MacLeod

Other music via APM
Stock images from Shutterstock, stock footage from Videoblocks

-----------------

More videos:

[EugeneKhutoryansky]

I was hoping that the evolutionary reason for laughter would be explained.

[Grave_bane]

That was literally the best intro ever

"Oxygen and magnesium are dating? Omg!"
😂😂😂

[theawkwarddolphin]

Oxygen and potassium went on a date


It was OK

[saisevithaa]

My friend wrote a note to me,
Do you know the chemical formula for Nobellium Bromide?
I reply,
No Bro

[FWS_Sinister]

This doesn't explain why our body chooses to do this "laughing" when we hear something funny

[justmechanicthings]

what does it mean when we sigh in despair at your puns?

[butterbean]

I work with kids and, no joke, this one kid laughed for 2 hours straight. He eventually started heavy breathing in between laughs and we eventually called home just to let his mom know what was happening. He stopped laughing eventually. When we asked him what was so funny, he said “I forget” strange day at work.

[yagurlahdrii]

For some reason I was laughing uncontrollably at this whole video😂😂😂🤣

[themarsquatch]

That Oxygen and Magnesium made me cringe and chuckle at the same time for the first time...

[kimberlyjanice]

Boss- why arent you coming in today?
Me- i have a bad case of laughter.
Boss- um what?!!
Me- chuckles. Oof sorry. Chuckles again. Its really bad. You dont wanna catch it lol

[hannakaake]

My friend said stop being such a nerd and watch youtube instead for studying
Me: watches it's okay to be smart

[switchfoot]

Their laughter had me laughing. The more insane a laugh sounds. The more I end up laughing.

[simpson]

I guess that explains why they put laugh tracks on sitcoms.

[amyperez]

Everybody tells me I laugh weird
I just say "I know" Cause I'm so used to it 😂

[_runta]

4:28 i cant breath😂

Its my new laughing style🤣

[cedricdoguiles]

So... I guess I'm the only one who laughed at the puns? Ok. I let myself out.

[Gaia_Gaistar]

"So Einstein finally finished that theory about space he's been working on. It's about time too, right."

I havn't had a sensible chuckle that hard in a long time.

[Leaked-kezv]

I remember I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe and I thought I was gonna die and I couldn't stop

[AnotherGradus]

It's interesting how extreme stress or a nervous breakdown also elicits a form of laughter (see the opening to _Paranoia Agent_ for example)

[dejureclaims]

This isn't really _why_ we laugh. It's a collection of fun titbits about the _effects_ of laughter.