Try to remember the most hilarious video you’ve ever seen – why is it funny? Can you tell? Luckily for you, Science Explains what exactly is humor and how we process it.

A group of researchers has investigated the perception of humor in different groups of people. They started with history, going all the way back to ancient Greece.

Humour was used for different purposes; from manipulation of people’s views (especially in politics) to simple amusement. However, no matter how it was used, it was crucial in the development of how we perceive it today.

Superiority-based humor

The oldest humor theory from philosophers like Plato and Aristotle suggested the superiority theory. It suggests that all of the humor is derived from the misfortune of other people. In that way, it would make us feel more superior. That's why we find fights funny.

Tension relief theory

This one comes from Sigmund Freud. He believed that a buildup of tension is inherent to every humorous scenario. This idea explains why are we so fascinated by taboo topics and why is so funny to acknowledge them.

Many comedians got familiar with this theory and tried it out themselves. However, it also depends on who tells the joke. Usually, the jokes are better accepted if people tell jokes about themselves and their own culture.

The theory of Unexpected

If you think about it, it’s clear that we find unexpected resolutions funny. We find humor in the incongruity between reality and our expectations.

For example;

‘Benign’ Violation theory

Breaking some sort of moral code can be funny - as long as it’s harmless. For example; breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend via text message, taking a child’s toy… However, the violation needs to be interpreted as harmless to be humorous.

Science Explains why is something Funny

Humour is an evolutionary adaptation that likely promoted human survival. It was a reward for our minds for recognizing the difference between right from wrong and harmless situations over danger. At the moment, scientists are working on artificial intelligence that could recognize and create funny images. That could be the first step towards a better understanding of our humor.