New research delves into the peculiar endurance of dad jokes, revealing that those who embrace conventional culture – including pet lovers and even the religiously inclined – tend to find them the funniest. A study by psychologists Paul Silvia and Meriel Burnett analyzed over 32,000 jokes from Reddit’s r/dadjokes forum, uncovering a surprising link between humor appreciation and cultural alignment.
The Data Behind the Groan
The researchers found that individuals identifying as “culturally conventional”—meaning more educated or religious—responded more positively to these often-cringeworthy puns. Even more curiously, the study highlighted a strong correlation between pet ownership and enjoyment of dad jokes; cat people, dog people, and those who love both found them funnier than those who didn’t care for animals at all. As the researchers wryly noted, “One does wonder what people who don’t like kittens and puppies happen to find funny.”
Beyond the Punchline
This isn’t just about amusement; it’s about how humor reinforces social bonds. Dad jokes, despite their reputation, serve as a low-stakes way to test and affirm shared cultural understanding. The study suggests that the predictability and simplicity of these jokes appeal to those who value tradition and familiarity. The research also confirmed a widely held suspicion: dads themselves find dad jokes funnier than others, a finding the authors deemed “reassuring” in an era marked by skepticism toward expertise.
The Bigger Picture
The persistence of dad jokes speaks to a deeper trend: the human need for shared, easily digestible humor. In a world increasingly fragmented by political divides and rapidly evolving social norms, these jokes offer a nostalgic, unifying experience. They’re a reminder that even in chaos, some things remain predictably silly. The study’s findings aren’t just about humor; they’re a snapshot of cultural alignment and the enduring appeal of simplicity.
