Name: Why we should take laughter more seriously
Uploaded: 2018-06-07T17:46:31Z
Duration: 13 min 4 s
Description: We think of laughter as merely a response to something funny. In this talk, cognitive neuroscientist Sophie Scott argues that it's a complex social behavior that signals a lot more than a successful joke. Using hilarious examples of laughter as used in foreign policy interactions, she demonstrates how the deployment of a well-placed guffaw is key to developing social bonds.

We think of laughter as merely a response to something funny. In this talk, cognitive neuroscientist Sophie Scott argues that it's a complex social behavior that signals a lot more than a successful joke. Using hilarious examples of laughter as used in foreign policy interactions, she demonstrates how the deployment of a well-placed guffaw is key to developing social bonds.

Sophie Scott: Why we should take laughter more seriously

Why we should take laughter more seriously

Children learn laughter as a social skill, showing its significance in establishing human connections and emotional health.

Laughter not only communicates joy but also reinforces social bonds and manages stress, as demonstrated in high-profile meetings.

Misinterpretation of language can transform tension into humor, easing conflicts and reframing interactions in diplomatic contexts.