The benign-violation theory explains that humor occurs 'when something seems wrong, unsettling, or threatening, but simultaneously seems okay, acceptable or safe' [6]. This theory aligns with the idea that we find things funny when our expectations are violated in a surprising, but not too threatening, way [2]. Many jokes are insults that violate expectations about people’s well-being, break social norms, or use word play [2].

Philosopher Daniel Dennett theorizes that the reason humans evolved humor was so that we had a positive incentive (laughing) to learn from the mistakes of others, and even our own [2]. Humor can be used as a method to easily engage in social interaction by taking away that awkward, uncomfortable, or uneasy feeling of social interactions [6].


What theory explains when humor arises as a 'benign violation'?

Related Content You May Like