Why Do We Tell Jokes and What Happens in Our Brain?

We tell jokes because they make us laugh, and laughing feels good. When someone tells a joke, our brain works hard to find the surprise in it, like when you expect one thing and get another! Our brain loves surprises, especially when they're funny. It makes us feel happy and connects us with others.

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Examples

  1. A kid laughs when their friend says, 'I ate so much cake I turned into a donut.'
  2. Your uncle tells a joke at dinner and everyone smiles and claps.
  3. You tell your best friend a funny story and you both laugh until you cry.

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Categories: Psychology · humor,neuroscience,cognitive psychology