From the course: Humor in the Workplace
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Biology
- The second theory I wanna share with you is biological. Humor is not just about being funny, nor is laughter the only response to something humorous. Humor, the cognitive recognition of incongruities sparks a variety of physical reactions. The body's reaction or acknowledgement of humor is an assessment of how well it was received. When faced with someone else's attempt at humor, there is a spectrum of physical reactions you might respond with. Along with laughter or smiling, which are generally more accepting reactions, the body's reactions to humor can also include moaning, smirking, or even puzzled looks if the receiver doesn't get the joke. There is a form of laughter that comes from an individual's or group's expression of embarrassment, alarm, discomfort, or confusion, rather than amusement. Known as nervous laughter, this involuntary response is a reaction to stress. We're telling ourselves that whatever uncomfortable thing we've encountered isn't really as detrimental as it…
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