Laughter can communicate a lot more than good humor – people use it to smooth social interactions

Laughter is so fundamental that animals like chimps, rats and dogs share the ability with humans. But in people it serves more serious social functions than just letting others know you’re having fun.

By: Adrienne Wood, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 23, 2026

Words: 1,182

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Adrienne Wood, University of Virginia

Laughter is an everyday reminder that we humans are animals. In fact, when recorded laughter is slowed down, listeners can’t tell whether the sound is from a person or an animal.

We throw our heads back and bare our teeth in a monkeylike grin. Sometimes we double over and lose our ability to speak for a moment, reverting temporarily to hooting apes. And just as hoots and howls help …

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