There are several studies by different psychologists that examine the use of comedy as a social mechanism. Robin Dunbar, a well-known anthropologist, even brought up the concept of "laughter as a social lubricant." While the idea may seem funny, it actually goes beyond the belief that laughter brings people together.
This means his study shows that, in social groups, humans release endorphins through laughter and lower the group's collective heart rate. This physical reaction can foster a bond among that group of people without the need for direct physical contact.
And yes, there are studies for quite literally everything, so you can bet that safe jokes that bring a safety blanket for people have also long been studied—namely, by the University of Colorado Boulder, which pioneered the concept of "benign violation." It essentially means something is slightly wrong or threatening, yet safe.
So, in what ways does this fit the go-to joke narrative? Well, this research suggests that go-to jokes are so popular not only because they're safe, but also because they walk the line between clever and witty without being borderline offensive. It makes them a riot, because people tend to like these types of jokes.
A lot of the jokes being told here are what we would also consider “dad jokes.” And honestly, if it hasn’t already been confirmed that dad jokes are a timeless gimmick, it should be—because I’ve never met a dad who hasn’t made at least one of these groan-inducing jokes.
But did you know that this “groaning” is actually a sign of success? That’s right; researchers have studied brain activity related to dad jokes, and apparently, these puns engage both the left and right hemispheres of the brain to process their double meanings. So if you get a groan in response, that’s actually a good thing.
If you bring physiological reactions into the equation, there’s even a biological reason why these types of jokes work so well as a go-to way to keep the atmosphere from becoming too dull or tense. And it all comes down to cortisol versus dopamine.
While these are probably two concepts you’re already familiar with, scientists have linked cortisol, or the “stress hormone," to moments when conversations stall or become awkward. On the other hand, when a joke is told and successfully lightens the mood, dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, is released, making people feel more relaxed and joyful almost instantly.
Sometimes, the perfect go-to joke is not about the joke itself, but actually about the delivery. You can tell a joke perfectly well, but if the timing and intonation aren't there, people might find the moment a little more off-putting than funny. It also won't work if you're saying the funniest thing in the world, but to the wrong audience.
So, if you're hoping to actually employ any of these foolproof jokes, keep in mind that you'll want to pause before a punchline, remember the context of your conversation, and those around you. And if it is a successful time, you can even mention it again as a callback later on, to double the feeling.
These types of jokes have always existed, so they’re far from a modern phenomenon. In fact, puns, dad jokes, and one-liners often differ from culture to culture depending on the context, which is something Americans, in particular, sometimes forget, because not everyone is going to understand your national references.
What everyone does seem to understand, however, is fart jokes. Unfortunately, it’s true: they’re universally considered funny. In fact, what’s believed to be the oldest recorded joke in the world dates back to Sumeria in 1900 BC, and yes, it’s a fart joke. But fair warning before you look it up: it actually isn’t that funny.
