Survey! Do you find both laughter and tears to be contagious?

Answer 1

It all depends.

Here are some explainations:

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(1) Laughter is not contagious

Laughter as we may know, is a human reaction. This reaction is simply related to "happiness" and "joy". It is how people communicate since early of time.

Even in some cultures, they encourage people to smile and share a laugh or two to create the bond within themselves. However, you might not see this happening in countries like Japan, as they are not allowed to show their experessions in public.

(2) Laughter are contagious

Laughter becomes terriblely wrong when it is done so often. The reason behind this is that when we laugh so much, we tend to shake our heads heavily. This will result in the loss some of our knowledge as presume by the Islamic scholars.

(3) Tears are contagious

Assume that we're smiling with laughter and frowning (crying) with tears.

Did you ever hear that smiling will only use 4 muscles and frowning (crying) will use 26 muscles?

Basically, if just based on these findings, you skin will wear out quicker if you're crying. Doesn't this mean it's contagious?

Another fact that that if you prolonged with tears, you will spoil your heart and sole. This is why people who are pessimistics and are always befriend with tears live shorter than those who always have smiles on their faces and share a laugh or two.

(4) Tears are not contagious

Why we have come to this part is that somehow, crying (with tears) is a way how we handle with stress. For instance you have a big problem and you cry, you will feel your soul is enlighten a bit as the stress had been "moved out" or simply "transfered away".

This is why if had undergone a counselling session, the counselor will let you pour all your heart out as this will make you at ease.

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So, as we can see here, there are some ways laughter can be contagious or not. This also applies for tears.

However, I did manage to conclude one thing:

LIVE IN MODERATION!

May you find your happiness... ;-)

Answer 2

Depends. If i am with friends, then their laughter or tears are likely to be something I am included in, though wouldn't start really crying, but might shed a 'sympathy' tear. Would start to laugh, unless i found the subject distasteful.
If i was among strangers, say on a bus, and there was laughter, and I was in a good mood, it might make me smile. If i wasn't in such a good mood, it would prob irritate me. Tears from strangers would make me concerned about what was wrong, but never join in! I would think there was something seriously wrong with me if I did, i.e - feeling sensitive, or in a tearful state myself. Even then, i don't think I would really start crying in public. However, if I was with a friend at this point, I might admit that I was feeling my own distress.

Answer 3

It depends on the situation. Laughter definately is. I've had that happen many times. Tears, on the other hand, can be but not always. I have had it happen where other started crying because I was or vice versa but the circumstances surrounding the tears had a huge effect on that as well.

Answer 4

This is such a fantastic question! It is so insightful. And has made me think about a new idea - which I adore.

Both emotions are strong and vigorous. It is most difficult to ignore and not react to them in like manner.

You are correct. They are both contagious. That is, if a person is capable of identifying and having empathy for another.

Answer 5

Yes but I can control it if I feel it is more appropriate, for instance if the laughter is malicious ( unless I agree) or the tears call for respect and understanding and for me to be of comfort rather than indulge in emotional empathy.
Sally Forth

Answer 6

Yes, When I hear someone laughing I either smile or start laughing. Especially someone that has a very strange laugh. But I hate it when I see someone tear up or is crying I tear up or start crying, It's so embarrassing. My children are all the same way.

Answer 7

scienc answer :) a toddler's smile is shown to launch beta endorphins (happy chemical compounds) into te recommendations of an on looker. greater endorphins are launched with age or relation to the toddler. edit: haha i spelled technology incorrect. thats ironic :) Weed additionally motives an way over beta endorphin pass. Weed = happiness (while used wisely)

Answer 8

lauhgter yes definitely, i crack up a lot when people around me are laughing (so long as im in the right mood). but tears dont affect me much....iv been told i am unfeeling sometimes but i do empathise with people i just dont join in with the crying.

Answer 9

i do,and with the laughter comes the tears,then i sit back and wonder what the hell was so funny...cheers

Answer 10

Yes, most of the time