Why is it that we laugh more when we watch a movie with others than we do when we watch the movie alone?
Laughing is primarily a social signal that is used to indicate solidarity with others. If we are laughing along with other people, it indicates to them that we are similar to them (because the laugh shows that we like the same things). Robert Provines is a psychologist who has studied laughter an…
The Short Answer
Laughing is primarily a social signal that is used to indicate solidarity with others. If we are laughing along with other people, it indicates to them that we are similar to them (because the laugh shows that we like the same things). Robert Provines is a psychologist who has studied laughter and found that people are far more likely to smile or talk when alone than they are to laugh. The reason laughter is a good social signal is because people can tell when you are faking it (i.e., trying to appear to be a member of the group by pretending you find the same things funny when you really don't), so an honest sounding laugh is a good signal to someone that you like them.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Signal, people, laugh
This explanation focuses on signal, people, laugh and spans 127 words across 4 sentences. At 87% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Laughing is primarily a social signal that is used to indicate solidarity with others.” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #48 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 10%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it that we laugh more when we watch a movie with others than we do when we watch the movie alone?
Laughing is primarily a social signal that is used to indicate solidarity with others. If we are laughing along with other people, it indicates to them that we are similar to them (because the laugh shows that we like the same things). Robert…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 127 words, ranked #48 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are signal, people, laugh.
What approach does this answer take to explain it that we laugh more when we watch a movie with others than?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 127 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.