J Pers Soc Psychol March 2017 PMID 27831701

Risky business: When humor increases and decreases status.

T Bradford Bitterly, Alison Wood Brooks, Maurice E Schweitzer

Mentions

43
Peak: 1 in Apr 2019
across 5 sources since Apr 2019

Extended reach

26,844
potential audience

Total likes

3

Video views

0

Mentions per month

Apr 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News30 articles
  • Blogs6 articles
  • Facebook3 posts
  • X / Twitter2 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions highlight key points from the publication, such as the balance between humor's benefits and risks in social status, exemplified by comments about appropriateness signaling competence or potentially damaging reputation. The tone is analytical and reflective, with references to the study’s focus on social perception and the importance of confidence in humor.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the core findings of the publication, emphasizing that humor can both enhance and damage reputation depending on appropriateness and perceived confidence.

InterestModerate interest

Posts indicate moderate interest, with some referencing the study’s insights and their implications, but the tone remains somewhat analytical rather than passionately involved.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference the research directly, mentioning the journal and specific concepts like competence and confidence, showing a degree of deeper engagement and reflection.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest that the article's ideas are seen as relevant to social dynamics and personal reputation, implying a moderate impact on understanding social interactions involving humor.

Abstract in brief

  • Humor can boost a person's status in relationships when used successfully, but trying to be funny also involves risks because unsuccessful attempts, like inappropriate jokes, can damage one's reputation.
  • The link between humor and increased status depends on whether others see the person as confident and competent; successful humor signals these traits, boosting stature.
  • Interestingly, both appropriate and inappropriate jokes can signal confidence, but only appropriate humor enhances perceptions of competence, meaning that inappropriate jokes can harm status by indicating a lack of skill despite displaying confidence.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
John McIntosh
@jrsmcintoshNI · X

@emollick Reminds me of this interesting study, suggesting that humour can also enhance the perceived competence of the joke-teller, provided that joke is appropriate (if not - the perception is harmed): https://t.co/sP9AsF6kwI

May 17, 2022 · 2 likes · 474 followers View post →
APA Journals
@APA_Journals · X

By Bitterly, Brooks, and Schweitzer, published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: "Risky business: When #humor increases and decreases status" #JPSP https://t.co/SA8pYIgtpL

Apr 1, 2019 · 1 like · 26,370 followers View post →

All mentions

John McIntosh
@jrsmcintoshNI · X

@emollick Reminds me of this interesting study, suggesting that humour can also enhance the perceived competence of the joke-teller, provided that joke is appropriate (if not - the perception is harmed): https://t.co/sP9AsF6kwI

May 17, 2022 · 2 likes · 474 followers View post →
APA Journals
@APA_Journals · X

By Bitterly, Brooks, and Schweitzer, published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: "Risky business: When #humor increases and decreases status" #JPSP https://t.co/SA8pYIgtpL

Apr 1, 2019 · 1 like · 26,370 followers View post →