History of Laughter

Laughter is a universal human behavior that is characterized by the production of sounds and facial expressions that indicate amusement or joy. The evolutionary history of laughter is not well understood, but research suggests that it may have originated as a way for early humans to communicate and bond with one another.

One theory about the evolutionary origins of laughter is that it evolved as a form of social bonding. Laughter is often associated with positive social interactions, and it has been suggested that the production of laughter may have helped early humans to establish and maintain social bonds. This theory is supported by the fact that laughter is often contagious, and that people are more likely to laugh in the presence of others than when they are alone.

Another theory about the evolutionary history of laughter is that it may have originated as a way for early humans to signal their intentions and emotions to one another. Laughter can be used to convey a variety of emotions, including joy, happiness, and amusement, and it may have served as a nonverbal way for early humans to communicate with one another. This theory is supported by the fact that laughter is often used as a way to diffuse tension and resolve conflicts, and that it can be used to signal approval or acceptance in social situations.

There is also evidence to suggest that laughter may have evolved as a way for early humans to demonstrate their dominance or superiority over others. In some non-human primates, laughter-like vocalizations are used as a form of aggression, and it is possible that early humans may have used laughter in a similar way.

Overall, the evolutionary history of laughter is complex and not fully understood. While it is likely that laughter has multiple functions and serves a variety of different purposes, it is clear that it has played a significant role in human social interactions and communication throughout history.

References:

• “The Evolution of Laughter” (Psychology Today, 2012)
• “The Evolution of Laughter and Humor” (Verywell Mind, 2020)
• “The Evolutionary Origins of Laughter” (Psychology Today, 2014)