Those that experience higher mirth, as a result of humor, perceive a scientist as significantly more credible than those who experience no mirth due to the lack of humor. The perceived credibility partially explains the relationship between the experience of mirth and people's perception of comedy as a valid approach for the presentation of scientific knowledge.

Humor's Increase in the Perceived Credibility 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. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Effects of Humor on the Perception of Scientist

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

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 and Source Evaluations

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

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. 

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