Understanding the Science of Humor: The Balance of Violations
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Laughter
Laughter is a universal experience that elevates our spirits, fosters connections, and alleviates uncomfortable moments. But what underlies this joy? The exploration of humor dates back to thinkers like Aristotle and Freud, who proposed several theories to explain why we find things funny:
- Superiority Theory – We derive amusement from the mishaps of others.
- Release Theory – Humor serves as a relief from tension, as suggested by Freud.
- Incongruity Theory – We laugh at absurdities or mismatched elements.
Yet, these concepts were overshadowed by Peter McGraw, PhD, who introduced the Benign Violation Theory.
This theory posits that we find humor in situations that are both inappropriate and yet harmless. The interplay of benign elements and violations creates an opportunity for laughter. For humor to resonate, it must maintain this delicate balance.
A joke can misfire in two distinct ways: overly safe jokes, often dubbed "dad jokes," lack the necessary edge to elicit laughter—similar to how one cannot tickle oneself due to the absence of surprise. Conversely, overly risky jokes might cross the line and become offensive.
Skittles Experiment
A fascinating study conducted by Dr. McGraw at the University of Colorado examined the connection between surprise and humor. In this experiment, a research assistant disguised as a student threw Skittles at participants, with some tests announced beforehand. The findings revealed that laughter increased when the action was preceded by an announcement, debunking the myth that surprise is essential for humor.
As the saying goes, humor equals tragedy plus time. The passage of time distances us from events, transforming active violations into benign ones. For instance, a meme account referencing Hurricane Katrina initially garnered no laughs, but after a period of 39 days, the posts began to elicit humor as the topic became less relevant. A viral Vine from that time cleverly referenced the disaster, demonstrating how time can alter perceptions of humor.
A Fine Line in Comedy
Consider this example: a humorous scenario may seem amusing in hindsight, but if a friend experienced something embarrassing during a sleepover, it would likely be inappropriate to joke about it in the moment.
The complexities of humor are influenced by cultural contexts, personal beliefs, and situational awareness. What one finds hilarious may be deemed offensive by another, especially given the effects of substances like alcohol.
However, physical comedy remains one of the most universally appreciated forms, with activities like tickling and playful tussles often resulting in laughter—think of the classic slipping-on-a-banana-peel trope.
It's crucial to differentiate between humor and laughter. A humorous experience comprises three components: emotion, cognition, and behavior (the laughter itself). People tend to laugh more in the presence of others, and while laughter can be feigned, it also serves a communicative role rather than merely being a reaction.
As Erma Bombeck insightfully noted:
“There is a thin line between laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, and humor and hurt.”
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this exploration of humor! If you wish to delve deeper into this topic, feel free to visit my other platforms for more insights.
Video Insights on Humor
To further understand the intricacies of humor, check out the following videos:
What Makes Things Funny | Peter McGraw | TEDxBoulder
This talk explores the science behind humor, focusing on the balance of benign violations.
What Makes Things Funny: Caleb Warren at TEDxBocconiU
Caleb Warren dives into the psychological aspects of what triggers laughter.