Science has a formula for when you can tell jokes about tragedy

Tell that joke too soon and your friends will think you're a jerk. But wait too long, and you'll just seem lame.

Friends
(Image credit: (Thinkstock))

Have you ever made a wisecrack about something terrible that just happened, and been greeted with dead silence instead of a laugh? Not a great feeling.

It's tricky knowing what you're allowed to joke about, and what's off limits. After all, psychologists say humor is a great coping tool that acts like a "psychological immune system." But the timing of tragedy-related joking is key.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up