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“The Future of Fun”
Presented by Karen Lynn
The pursuit of fun is woven into the fabric of human existence. But what is fun anyway? Why do we seem to need it?
In 2023, at the Edinburg fringe, Lorna Rose Treen was voted winner of the annual competition with:
“I started dating a zookeeper, but it turned out he was a cheetah.”
For more jokes, click here.
Universally, it seems that a good joke is fun.
But according to the Oxford English Dictionary, fun started out as a bad thing.
1699 Fun, a Cheat or slippery Trick.
B. E., New Dictionary Canting Crew
It didn’t take long before it became, ‘er, more fun.
1749 Partridge was a great Lover of what is called Fun.
H. Fielding, Tom Jones vol. III. ix. vi. 354
And then finally…
2012 I haven't done this since I was a kid. It's really good fun, isn't it?
Psychologies (U.K. edition) April 162/2
Fun is an element of play and play promises fun. S. G. Eberle argues that although there are many ways to develop knowledge, self-assurance and vigor, none of them are as fun as play. So humans find fun to be very useful. Having fun is a precursor and a companion to creativity.
The NIH reports somewhat inconclusively and indirectly that fun is not an emotion, and that the affective side of fun has not been academically scrutinized.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5597001/
What Science Says about Fun
Fun may play a role in regulating the emotions.
1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: A pioneering psychologist known for his work on flow theory, explored the optimal experience of engagement and enjoyment in activities. He delved into the conditions that facilitate states of flow, characterized by intense focus, intrinsic motivation, and a sense of fulfillment, which are closely related to the concept of fun.
2. Stuart Brown: As a psychiatrist and founder of the National Institute for Play, Brown has conducted research on the evolutionary and psychological significance of play and fun. His studies emphasize the role of playfulness in fostering creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being across the lifespan.
3. Brian Sutton-Smith: A prominent scholar in the field of play studies, Sutton-Smith contributed to our understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of play and fun.
4. Jane McGonigal: A game designer and researcher, McGonigal emphasizes the transformative power of gaming in promoting positive emotions, social connections, and personal growth.
5. Scott G. Eberle: As a play researcher and former editor of the American Journal of Play, Eberle has investigated the role of playfulness and fun in education, therapy, and leisure.
6. Robin Dunbar: Dunbar has explored the functions of laughter and humour in human evolution and communication. His research highlights the role of fun and laughter in strengthening social bonds, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive processes such as creativity and problem-solving.
Questions cribbed from ChatGPT (sort of)
1) How does fun contribute to well-being and mental health?
2) What are the cultural and social influences on perceptions of fun?
3) What role does fun play in education and learning?
4) How does fun intersect with creativity and innovation?
5) What are the effects of technology and digital media on fun experiences?
6) How can fun be harnessed for therapeutic purposes?
7) What are the ethical implications of fun-related industries and practices?
8) How does fun contribute to community and social change?
9) How can individuals and societies cultivate a culture of sustainable and meaningful fun?
10) Finally, what does religion have to do with fun? Is religion funny? How can we use fun to develop our thinking, and that of others, to support and promote our common beliefs in HAT?
Karen Lynn, April 27, 2024