Laughter is contagious because it taps into the fundamental human instinct of social bonding and empathy. When we hear someone else laughing, our brains instinctively interpret it as a positive social cue, signaling that the situation is safe and enjoyable. This triggers a natural response within us to join in and share the experience.
One reason laughter is contagious is due to the mirror neuron system in our brains. Mirror neurons are specialized cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. When we hear laughter, these mirror neurons in our brain simulate the act of laughing, causing us to mimic the sound and physical expressions associated with laughter.
Additionally, laughter is a form of nonverbal communication that transcends language and cultural barriers. It creates a sense of connection and camaraderie among individuals, fostering a shared experience and reinforcing social bonds. When we see others laughing, it triggers an emotional response within us, making us more likely to join in and experience the positive emotions associated with laughter.
Now just imagine how much stronger the connection is to laugh if the other person is your twin! The twins in the clip are just 10 months old, but they have already formed a strong communication bond between them. When one of them starts to laugh, the other immediately joins in. We will never know what they are laughing about, but it sure feels like they are having a blast! Watch the hilarious video below and please leave us a Facebook comment to let us know what you thought!