Forget French or German. Some people prefer sarcasm as their second language.
According to a new study by researchers at Columbia University, Harvard University, and INSEAD Business School, people who are sarcastic tend to be more creative and have a higher IQ.
Recent studies show that there is a prominent connection between sarcasm and creativity. While the general public communicates in a normal way, the sarcastic ones express their humor using verbal ironies.
A research study by Northwestern University tested two groups of students. One group chose to watch a comedy movie whereas the other group chose to watch a horror movie.
After the movie session, the groups were given a puzzle and some aptitude questions to examine their creativity.
It turned out that the ones who watched a comedy movie were more creative than the ones who had watched a horror film. Even the results of the MRI equipment showed the same result.
Sarcasm May Be a Sign of a Healthy Brain
Research shows that sarcastic people’s cognitive functions are more creative. What’s more, scientists say that not being able to understand or catch another person’s sarcasm may be a sign of a brain problem or disease like dementia.
After running a series of MRI tests, scientists concluded that sarcasm is created in the parahippocampal gyrus, which affiliated with the memory section of the right side of the brain.
People with dementia could not pick up sarcasm which meant that they could not react in a socially appropriate way.
Sarcastic People Think on Another Level
There is a common saying that says sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence. A bit of sarcasm can promote creative thinking and it also comes in handy for creating bonds and friendship.
Sarcastic communication forces people to use their brains to interpret the hidden meaning behind the words. This requires critical and creative thinking and, later on, this helps in cognitive idea generation.
In other words, sarcasm forces a person to think outside of the box. It forces a person to think harder in order to decode the actual meaning of the statements.
Sarcasm Rules the World
Sarcasm is a popular form of communication. Research shows that sarcasm is considered an evolutionary survival skill. If you’re creative and you’re hanging out with sarcastic people, you’ll learn more.
So, if you’ve been called a smart mouth, take it as a compliment.
Sarcasm Helps You to Diffuse a Situation
It’s true that sarcasm might get out of hand sometimes but it comes in real handy when shutting down conflicts. Sarcasm can do wonders to diffuse rage. It can also make you laugh when you’re bored.
Sarcasm Makes You More Inventive
Research shows that sarcastic people are more creative as well as more inventive. They tend to think outside of the box and try to make new jokes as well as new creations. It’s a more effective use of your brain than sincere statements.
Sarcasm Sends You on the Quest for Truth
Trying to be funny is not the only motive behind sarcasm. Sarcasm also helps you to discover the truth about yourself.
If someone says something that contradicts the norm, it tends to make one question if the statement is right or wrong. As the study pointed out, even those who are on the receiving end of the humorous remarks start thinking analytically.
These thoughts lead us to think outside of the box, practice creativity and also motivate us to explore our inner selves.
Final Thoughts
As there is a downside to everything, there’s no exception when it comes to sarcasm. Whether you’re just sending out an internet troll or cracking a joke or making funny mugshot faces, some people might take sarcasm the wrong way. So, be careful not to start a fight or hurt someone’s feelings without meaning to.
Sarcasm is a remarkable skill for its critical role in social interactions. When life is hectic and complex life, sometimes all you need is a little sarcasm to bring you some much-needed relief and entertainment.
Sarcasm can be a means of breaking off alliances but it can also spark a friendship. No matter what, sarcasm is a crucial component of our survival.
After all, if it wasn’t for sarcasm, life would be very boring.
Photo by Nick Fewings
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