Humorless on the Web: The Strange Case of Online Seriousness Syndrome
The internet is a vast, quirky landscape. It’s a place where memes destroy and rebuild, cat videos heal broken spirits, and sarcastic banter (see reddit) bridges generational divides. But lurking in the shadows of this digital carnival are those who either cannot—or will not—laugh. They are the "Humorless Internet", the laughing invalids, and maybe this is a behavior that comes with purpose. In my earnest opinion, this is often selective behavior, deployed nefariously to one-up or best well-intentioned people.
And yes, this phenomenon is alive and well in the UFO community. For a group that thrives on the mysterious and unexplained, it’s ironic how seriously some members take themselves—to the point of banishing humor entirely. Let’s explore how this dynamic plays out, both broadly and within the realm of UFO enthusiasts.
Here's my take on these curious characters and the ripples they create in the chaotic waters of the goddamned internet.
The Anatomy of the Humorless Online Persona
What does an internet user devoid of humor look like? While the exact traits vary, there are a few hallmark behaviors:
Literal Interpretations of Jokes: Imagine posting a tweet saying, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,” only for someone to reply, “Actually, eating horses is unethical in many cultures.” You’re left scratching your head, wondering if they truly believe you’re eyeing the neighbor’s mare for dinner.
Overanalysis of Playful Comments: A simple “That’s what she said” joke might inspire a 500-word comment thread dissecting sexism in modern humor. Nuance is lost, and the lighthearted moment dies a slow, painful death.
Immediate Offense Taken: Even the most absurd, hyperbolic jokes can be misinterpreted. It’s as if some users patrol the web, ready to pounce on the slightest deviation from their own worldview.
Imagine telling someone, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” and instead of chuckling, they lecture you on the dangers of animal cruelty. That’s the vibe.
In UFO circles, this behavior can manifest in peculiar ways. Crack a joke about aliens refusing to visit Earth because of our questionable reality TV lineup, and you might find yourself accused of trivializing the serious work of extraterrestrial researchers. What starts as lighthearted banter can quickly spiral into a grim defense of the "truth." Try speaking too much truth on a fringe show, it gets hotter even more quickly.
Why Is Humor ‘Turned Off’?
Humorless behavior isn’t always malicious. Sometimes, it’s the result of understandable factors:
Cultural or Language Barriers: Humor doesn’t translate perfectly across languages or cultures. Sarcasm and idioms, in particular, can lose their charm (or meaning) when they cross borders.
Tone Loss in Text: The absence of vocal inflection, facial expressions, and body language can make it harder to detect humor in written form. The internet’s primary mode of communication doesn’t always do jokes justice.
Genuine Lack of Comedic Sensibility: Some people just don’t find things funny, and that’s okay. Everyone has different tastes.
However, in UFO circles, there’s an additional layer to this phenomenon. The subject matter—aliens, government cover-ups, mysterious encounters—already sits on the fringes of mainstream acceptance. As a result, many in the community feel a heightened need to legitimize their beliefs, often at the expense of humor. Jokes can be perceived as an attack, a dismissal of their worldview, or an attempt to undermine their credibility. And don't be fooled, the narratives haven't flipped nearly as much as rumored - conspiracy nutters are still conspiracy nutters, but I digress...
The Weaponization of Humorlessness
Sometimes, being humorless isn’t just a personality quirk—it’s a strategy. Here’s how:
Dominating Conversations: By reframing jokes as offensive or inappropriate, humorless individuals can derail discussions and seize control of the narrative. The original speaker often finds themselves backpedaling, explaining, or apologizing for a harmless quip.
Claiming Moral Superiority: “I’m too serious for jokes” becomes a badge of honor, signaling that the humorless individual is somehow more thoughtful or ethical than their jesting peers.
Derailing Lighthearted Moments: Some people thrive on conflict and tension, using their lack of humor to sour otherwise positive interactions. A cheerful exchange can quickly turn into a debate over semantics or ethics.
It’s one thing to not get the joke—it’s another to use that as a moral high ground to ‘win’ the argument. It’s not humor they’re missing; it’s strategy they’re employing.
How It Affects the Rest of Us
The humorless often have a chilling effect on digital spaces. Their presence can:
Stifle Creativity: When every joke is scrutinized or criticized, people may hesitate to share their humor, fearing backlash or misunderstanding.
Create Tension: A single humorless comment can shift the tone of an entire thread or conversation, turning playful banter into a strained debate.
Discourage Engagement: Who wants to interact with someone who’s always serious? The fear of being misinterpreted can push well-meaning users into silence. (This is perhaps most important, for without engagement you are left with a typical, basic bunch of assholes!)
Conclusion: Laughter as a Survival Tool
In a world so absurd, humor is our common language—or at least, it should be. The internet, with all its chaos and contradictions, needs humor to stay sane. And for a community like UFO enthusiasts, embracing a bit of levity can be a powerful way to connect with others and share their passion.
But if you find yourself up against a stone-faced humor vacuum, just remember: their seriousness says more about them than it does about your joke.
Maybe the humorless aren’t laughing because they don’t want to… or maybe they’re just biding their time, waiting for the right moment to derail your next punchline.
So go forth, be funny, and don’t let the humorless get you down. After all, if laughter is contagious, maybe there’s hope for them yet. Even aliens might appreciate a good joke—if they’re out there watching us, let’s at least give them something to laugh about.
