Humor effect
Memory effect
The tendency to remember funny material better than material that isn't funny. Humor grabs attention and makes us process the information more, so it sticks.
In everyday life
People recall the punchline of a clever commercial for years, even when they have forgotten which product it was selling.
Months after a history lecture, the only fact you still remember is the one the teacher explained with a pun that made the whole class laugh.
Why your mind does this
Unusual, funny, emotional, or personal things often signal something that matters, such as a threat, an opportunity, or information about ourselves. Giving them extra attention and a stronger place in memory helps us learn fast from rare or important events.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Stands out
How to spot it
Ask yourself whether you are giving an idea extra weight just because it was presented in an entertaining way.
What you can do
Use it on purpose: add a light, relevant joke or silly example to material you want yourself or others to remember.
Same family: Stands out
SourcesSchmidt (1994)·Wikipedia