[omid (OP)]

can some one clear please? []

[Jonathan Madriaga]

Hahaha, this is quite complicated to explain, but I would guess that it has to to with the neuron impulses in our brain.

[FuzzyUK]

can some one clear please? []

It more fun if someone else inflicts a tickle on you than if you do it to yourself apparently.

More here: http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=25248.msg272889

[omid (OP)]

Thanks guys,
But do we only laugh when we are tickled why don't we cry or something like that? []

[BenV]

Thanks guys,
But do we only laugh when we are tickled why don't we cry or something like that? []

Great question, because for many people being tickled is NOT a pleasurable experience, even though it makes them laugh/giggle.  I think it's a brain wiring issue - there's an argument that we're ticklish so that we can respond to a gentle touch, which could well be the presence of an insect (fleas/ticks/mosquitoes etc).

So we certainly should react, but why with spasms of laughter?

I've no idea!

[EatsRainbows]

Tickling I seem to recall has actually been used as a form of torture!

A few points from scavenged from rather inconclusive readings:

kids often start laughing before they are even touched, when they know the tickle is coming (something to do with hormones associated to anticipation and surprise?)

Would you laugh if a stranger walked up behind you and tickled you? i dont think i would, so could it be socially related? something to do with the brain trying to work out how to respond to 'pain' caused by the touch of someone who is trusted/loved?

A conditioned response, ie babies that are tickled by their parents during intimate/excitable moments?