Humor is subjective and can vary greatly between individuals, meaning that what some find funny, others may find offensive. To navigate this social landscape effectively, it is important to cultivate emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Understanding the context and the feelings of others will help determine when humor is appropriate and when it could lead to misunderstandings or negative impressions.
Using humor that targets or belittles others, employs harsh sarcasm, or is crude in nature can be particularly damaging. Additionally, jokes that are politically incorrect or come off as mean-spirited fail to foster positive connections. In "The Art of Connection," author Susan C. Young emphasizes the need for sensitivity and thoughtfulness in humor to build rapport rather than risk alienation.