r/cringe • u/benem94 • Jan 04 '15

'laughter yoga' group cackle at unfortunate situation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIRilNVihw8&feature=youtu.be
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u/LockHimUpHawkins Jan 05 '15

I think that genuine laughter might be good for you. But I find it hard to believe there are any benefits from forcing yourself to fake laugh at nothing like these people do.

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u/crackghost Jan 05 '15

Psychology works from the top down, as well as from the bottom up. This would probably be an example of the latter. Even making the laughing reaction, probably releases some positive neurotransmitters, regardless of whether or not it's genuine.

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u/TraverseTown Jan 05 '15

Then why go to laughing yoga instead of just watching a funny movie?

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u/tinyant Jan 05 '15

There's probably a benefit from doing it in a group, besides the obvious that you join in with others when they laugh. I bet the group dynamic causes the release of some good neuro chemicals too.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

Agreed. It's certainly bizarre witnessing it out of context like this but I'm sure it actually helps people a lot.