Sometimes, the best meme compilations are the most random ones. You never really know what you’re going to get, which leaves plenty of room for surprise. And since there are so many different things to laugh about, chances are there’ll be something for everyone.
That’s because humor is subjective. What makes you laugh might get a blank stare from someone else. And honestly, who even knows what the most universal type of humor could be. Dad jokes? Even those have their haters.
But here’s where it gets interesting: your sense of humor can actually reveal a lot about your personality. The jokes you love, the memes you share, the comedy stand-up routines that make you laugh until you cry—all of it might be saying something about who you really are.
Take self-deprecating humor, for example. If you’re constantly making jokes at your own expense, you might think you’re just being relatable or easygoing. But according to research from Western University Canada, people who regularly lean on self-defeating humor might actually be struggling with low self-esteem.
Psychologist Chloe Lau explains that this comedy style can become harmful, linking it to feelings of loneliness and other negative outcomes. While one well-timed self-roast can be hilarious, making it your entire comedic identity might be a way of dodging some uncomfortable feelings about yourself.
Then there’s dark humor. If you gravitate toward jokes dripping with sarcasm or cynicism, research featured in Forbes suggests this preference might connect to certain personality traits. A study examining eight different humor types found that people who scored high on traits like Machiavellianism and psychopathy tended to prefer edgier material—irony and mockery over lighthearted fun.
Meanwhile, narcissistic personalities went for lighter humor but mainly used it to make themselves look good. Psychologist Alberto Dionigi notes that people with these traits might weaponize humor for manipulating others and putting people down.
On a more positive note, if you’re the type who loves sharing jokes with friends and keeping a generally upbeat, humorous outlook on life, a large study analyzing nearly 12,000 people suggests you’re likely extroverted, agreeable, and open to new experiences.
The research, discussed in Psychology Today, suggests that certain personality traits are more drawn to “healthy” humor styles, the kind that connects people and lifts spirits.
If you avoid offensive jokes and don’t use comedy to tear others down, you’re probably high on agreeableness. The study found that agreeable people naturally steer clear of aggressive humor because they value getting along well with others and maintaining positive relationships.
If you’re organized and responsible—traits associated with conscientiousness—you likely avoid both aggressive humor and self-defeating humor. Conscientious people don’t feel the need to put themselves down for a laugh or use comedy as a weapon against others.
