Most laughter isn't because things are funny.

 

Every culture in the world laughs, but surprisingly, most of our laughter isn't necessarily a response to humor. Less than 20 percent of laughter comes after jokes, according to neuroscientist Robert Provine; the rest is a reaction to regular statements and questions like, "How have you been?" The ensuing laughter, however brief, helps form social bonds since people who laugh together grow closer.