- Potential use to avoid/correct misinformation
- May be considered manipulative

Ethics of Using Humor for the Communication of Scientific Information

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

Davidson College

Effects of Humor on the Perception of Scientist

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 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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