Why the Heck Are We Ticklish?

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I’ve explained a lot of weird bodily functions on this show but there’s one that we haven’t covered that’s always confused me: Tickling. What are you for, tickling? What’s the point of you? Why do you exist? Why do you make us laugh even though we hate you? Let’s dig into our evolutionary past to try and find an answer.

References:

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[Sebastian-shdq]

Joe: "Go tickle someone"
One minute later Joe: "Asks them permission first"

Well, too late now

[dougthedonkey]

That hilarious moment when an external attacker is trying to target your important organs

[deviousmonke]

Anyone else notice that his ears gradually got more red as the video progressed?

[kim-jong-un]

“you can’t scare yourself”
me: *looks in mirror*

AHHH

[AdamZovits]

"For my research, I'll need a baby, a rat, a feather, a robot arm and an ultrasonic microphone."
"Umm, what are you researching?"
"Laughter"

[EpX__]

next episode: why the heck are my ears so red

[kepler]

Boss: "I need one of you for a minu-"
Two researchers: *tickling each other*

[Omlet]

Joe: “Mabye this is all blown over by the time your watching this”

Everyone: 😥

[ivanmallez]

"What'd you do today?"
"tickled a rat"

[Rouverius]

Joe: You can't scare or startle yourself
Me: You underestimate my power

[pyrotechnic]

9:26 maybe it's my monitor but this man has the reddest ears I've ever seen

[alaszpilman]

“You can’t tickle yourself “

Well please explain why I can’t touch or scratch my feet without it being way too ticklish haha

[shellym]

Tickling physically hurts me. A lot. People think I'm joking because I laugh so they keep doing it. Then they act confused when I get mad.

[Eban]

"A dozen spiders crawling up your neck" why is that a sentence you felt the need to put out in the world?

[lynarielle]

I actually really enjoy being tickled 🥺 I used to be so scared of touch because I was beat as a child. But then I started recognizing tickling as a nicer, gentle touch that made me laugh instead of cry. Now, as an adult, physical touch is one of my love languages with tickling as my favorite touch!

[yoyoman_blue]

Joe: "Go tickle someone"

Me: "ok.."

Joe: "ask permission first"

Me: "too late I'm in jail for harassing a woman at a subway station.."

[discreet_boson]

Joe: "You can't scare or startle yourself. "
Me: *Gets scared seeing my own foot at night, is woken up by my own snoring*
Edit:
Thanks for the likes guys.

[apocalypse]

Don't tickle birds. They'll think you're trying to mate.

[carolechristmas-xmascarole]

That kids laughter is pure joy. That laugh has no fear, no hurt, no sadness, only love and happiness. I don’t know if that makes sense. I wish we could all laugh like that, like nothing else matters and enjoy the moment. 💕

[JmsNmnn]

"Maybe this has all blown over by the time you're watching this"

Oh, Joe. You sweet summer child