It helps morale, and makes stress easier to deal with, and can build solidarity. Several years ago, in a situation where me and 131 other people were waiting for our imminent deaths, and were powerless to do anything about it, some people were freaking out, some sat in silence, and others of us joked and laughed about the situation. I actually asked one of my friends if he’d like to retake an exam, so he could maybe pass it, and sue with a better grade. He really bombed an exam badly, the day before, and there obviously wouldn’t be time for other remediation. He he told me to fuck off, we both laughed, did a “cheers” with our half empty coffees, and finished them off.

I was one of the laughers/jokers, but when the situation changed, giving us hope of survival, the laughing and joking went silent. Hope brought the stress for the rest of us. Obviously, we survived (I’m thumbing this missive out on my phone). I’ve been married over 20 years, have a couple kids.