The experience of greater mirth, which is caused by humor, predicts higher likability of a scientist.

Humor's Increase in the Perceived Likability of a Scientist

Humor is associated with being more likeable. In media messaging, a source is viewed more favorable, in general, when it employs humor. Likeability is positively associated with perceived credibility, so using humor is one way to appear more knowledgeable about a topic. 

Humor and Source Evaluations

Davidson College

Humor is often implemented by scientists when they present information. Humor is closely related to mirth, which refers to people's perceptions of how funny, humorous, and amusing a stimulus is. Interestingly, humor and mirth can have an effect on how scientific information is communicated. Therefore, they can likely be used as a method to combat misinformation.

Solution to Misinformation: Humor

Yeo, S. K., Anderson, A. A., Becker, A. B., & Cacciatore, M. A. (2020). Scientists as comedians: The effects of humor on perceptions of scientists and scientific messages. Public Understanding of Science, 29(4), 408-418. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662520915359

The effects of humor on perceptions of scientists and scientific messages.

Humor is prevalent in many types of communication about current events and  science. Examples include late night talk shows (The Late Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), comedy shows (Saturday Night Live), and other media communications. 

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