From: hubermanlab
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Humor is an intrinsic part of human experience, but what makes something funny, and how does our brain process humor? In a recent discussion on the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford School of Medicine, along with comedian Tom Segura, explored the neuroscience and psychology of humor. Here, we delve into some key insights from that conversation.
The Surprise Element in Humor
The foundational element of humor, as discussed by Huberman and Segura, lies in surprise. Huberman explains that the anticipation of a narrative followed by an unexpected twist is central to why we find things funny. This concept is akin to a form of cognitive tension and release, much like a musical crescendo followed by a satisfying resolution. The brain enjoys this surprise, leading to laughter when the punchline deviates from what we anticipate ([00:51:49]).
Humor and the Reward System
Huberman touches on the activation of reward circuits in the brain when something is found funny. The processes that govern humor are comparable to those involved in experiencing taste or smell, which are individualistic and not easily altered by persuasion comparable to olfactory processes ([00:00:52]). This indicates that humor, like other sensory experiences, involves deep-seated neurobiological mechanisms.
The Role of Emotional Contagion
Emotional contagion is a significant factor in both humor and performance. Segura points out that performers, especially comedians, are adept at reading and manipulating the collective energy of their audience. This ability to sense and respond to audience dynamics is partly due to the phenomenon of emotional contagion, where emotional states can spread from one person to another, akin to a contagious wave of laughter ([00:31:44]).
The Brain’s Prediction of Humor
Huberman also referenced the famous case study of a patient with amnesia, known as HM, which sheds light on how humor is processed even without memory retention. HM could still laugh at jokes he couldn’t remember hearing before, but repeated exposures lessened his amusement. This suggests that humor might be partially processed at a subconscious level and that familiarity can diminish its impact, indicating that our brains might predict the novelty and diminish the response based on past experiences related to neuroplasticity ([01:06:08]).
Cultural and Temporal Shifts in Humor
The podcast discussion highlights that humor is deeply tied to cultural and temporal contexts. What is found humorous can change over time, paralleling shifts in societal values and norms. This adaptation indicates that the neurobiology of humor is also influenced by a complex interaction between societal changes and individual neural responses ([01:39:02]).
Conclusion
Understanding the neurobiology of humor provides insight into why humor is such a powerful social tool. This exploration of humor by Huberman and Segura not only elucidates the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie why we laugh but also underscores the intricate link between individual neurobiology and collective cultural experiences. Such discussions further the notion that humor, while universal, is uniquely processed within each brain, shaped by both personal experience and societal influences.