In order to "get the joke" more cognitive resources may be dedicated to a humorous message than a not humorous one.  The increases processing of the message can lead to more critical thinking regarding its message. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Humor can be a useful tool for correcting misinformation because:
- It can draw one's attention to otherwise unacknowledged issues
- It can enhance source evaluations
- Can increase the cognitive resources used to comprehend the message

Humor as a Misinformation Correction Tool

Yeo, S. & McKasy, M. (2021). Emotion and Humor as Misinformation Antidotes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(15). doi: 10.1073/pnas.2002484118

Emotion and humor as misinformation antidotes

Humor, specifically visually-presented humor, can draw someone's attention to a piece of information. By devoting attention to a correction, people's misconceptions learned from fake news can be reduced. 

Humor and Attention

Humor and Cognitive Resources

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. 

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