Book 2, Question 30
Why Do We Laugh?
Ha ha! What makes you laugh the hardest? A joke, a tickle, or relief can pop the laugh switch. Laughing with someone bonds you faster than laughing alone.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- A good laugh is one of the most complicated things our bodies do.
- The front part of your brain and a deeper area called the limbic system both help make a laugh.
- It is very hard to fake a real laugh. Try it!
- One scientist thinks laughing first meant all is OK, like when a scary snake turns out to be a stick.
- Just hearing other people laugh can make you laugh. That is why TV shows use laugh tracks.
- Laughing can lower stress and help your body relax.
- Scientists still do not agree on exactly what makes us laugh.
Sources: BBC, Smithsonian Magazine, Cleveland Clinic
Questions kids ask
Why is laughter catching?
Just hearing laughter is enough to make other people laugh too.