Scientists have studied why we can't suppress laughter at inappropriate times. It turns out that trying to suppress emotions only makes them stronger. The study involved 121 participants. They were shown jokes while their faces were scanned by sensors. Participants who tried to maintain a neutral facial expression reported less enjoyment from the jokes than those who allowed themselves to smile. Suppressing laughter does not remove the situation, but only delays it, making the problem worse. It is especially difficult to control yourself when others are laughing. Laughter is involuntary, social, and stubborn. That's why in awkward moments, like funerals, we often can't control our reactions.
