Both are contagious, but yawning is generally considered more universally and involuntarily contagious than laughing. Scientific studies suggest that contagious yawning is linked to empathy and social bonding, and it’s observed in many animals, not just humans.
Laughing is also contagious (thanks to mirror neurons and social connection), but it often requires a shared context or sense of humor. Yawning can spread even without any emotional context—sometimes just seeing, hearing, or even thinking about a yawn can trigger one.
So if you yawn every time someone else does, you’re not alone—it’s a common, almost reflexive response!
Thanks Kelvin for the detailed information. Really insightful. You are right in saying both are contagious. I think it is different for everyone.. For me I find yawing more contagious