Some of the things we hear or see in daily life add joy to our lives and can make us laugh. So what causes us to laugh at such things? Although many studies have been carried out to shed light on this issue, there is still no clear answer.
Carlo Valerio Bellieni, Professor of Petiatrics from the University of Siena, Italy, pursued this subject and conducted a comprehensive research. Re-examining more than 150 studies published to date, Bellieni created a new theory about why we laugh, based on the theories produced.
The way we laugh at something happens through three basic steps:
As a result of his research on studies, Bellieni concluded that the act of laughing consists of three basic steps: surprise, solution and a clear signal. So, how do we laugh as a result of these three basic steps?
According to Bellieni; In order for us to laugh in some way, we first need a situation that seems strange and feels discordant. These situations can be situations that cause confusion or panic. In the second step, we reflect on the anxiety or stress caused by the inappropriate situation and come to a solution.
In the solution process in the second step, for example, while a tiger we see on the road is normally frightening, we perceive the situation as harmless when this tiger suddenly starts rolling on the ground by itself. Then the third step comes into play: We laugh. This step also serves as a clear signal to those around us that the situation is ‘safe’. In this way, laughter can turn into an action that spreads among people.
The theory also sheds light on why you might fall in love with the person who made you laugh:
According to Bellieni, the hypothesis that you can fall in love with someone just because they make you laugh evolves into a different path based on these results. Falling in love with this person isn’t just because they make you laugh. On the contrary, this person gives you the message “we are comfortable, we are safe” with a smile. This creates a sense of trust.
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