People who enjoy dark humor are highly intelligent, experts reveal.
Laughing at dark jokes does not make you a bad person, only a smart one. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Cognitive Processing, your reactions to this particular type of humor could indicate your intelligence.
“Even people who are good for nothing have the capacity to bring a smile to your face. For instance, when you push them down the stairs.”
As Reader’s Digest notes, the team of experts concluded that people who appreciate dark humor may have higher IQs, show lower aggression, and resist negative feelings more effectively than others. They tested their theory of correlation between sense of humor and intellect with the help of 156 participants.
The respondents read 12 bleak cartoons from ‘The Black Book’ by German cartoonist Uli Stein. They were then asked whether they understood each joke and whether they found it funny. Afterward, the participants took IQ tests and answered questions about their mood, aggressive tendencies, and educational background.
“I’ll never forget my Granddad’s last words to me just before he died. ‘Are you still holding the ladder?'”
The results revealed: Those who both understood and enjoyed the dark jokes showed higher levels of intelligence.
What is more, the people who are fond of this unique type of wittiness reported being less aggressive. On the other hand, the respondents who least liked the jokes showed the highest levels of aggression and the worst moods.
“Today was a terrible day. My ex got hit by a bus. And I lost my job as a bus driver!”
According to the examiners, comprehending dark humor requires more mental capacity, as it is “a complex information-processing task.” They have discovered that being able to understand dark jokes means your brain is emotionally involved in the process. To compare, understanding puns, which usually involve a word with two or more meanings, does not force you to leave your comfort zone.
“My grandfather says I’m too reliant on technology. I called him a hypocrite and unplugged his life support.”
In other words, if dark humor is your thing, then you might be excelling your friends when it comes to intelligence. Plus, you’re probably in a good mood more often than anyone else in your circle.
“My favorite novel is ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. I love a protagonist with a twisted back story.”
Do you enjoy dark-humored jokes? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section!
