I have come to the conclusion that no one can take a joke.

[TheBabyEater]

I didn't put this in "why me" because I want to know if I'm totally alone in this. I honestly feel that people these days most definitely do not understand a joke, a common humor, or lighthearted sarcasm. Instead many, not all, people seem to utterly flip out and refuse to accept apologies. Hell, I've received death threats, on here no less over a small joke that I soon after apologized for.

I personally don't understand this. I don't know if it's the newest generation of teenagers (since many of them seem to be 14 and under. NOT saying that EVERYONE 14 and under has no sense of humor, I'm friends with many) or if it's just me being all 18 and too old for this site. But I honestly feel like TH is not nearly as welcome to jokes anymore. Instead it's all strictly business, no room for a joke or two, no room for humor. It's upsetting, since I am seriously kidding around ALL THE TIME. Well, except now I suppose, lol. Okay that was a joke too. Dammit. Well. You get the idea of this thread.

[ALLorNOTHINGforCHRIST]

I do not know I know people get offended much easier than they used to.

[Soliloquy]

Hey Marissa,

I'm sorry that you received such a negative response. I'm sure you know how to handle this, but if someone has threatened you, maybe you want to report that person so the issue can be looked into.

As for people not being able to take a joke, I will say that in general, I agree with you. I've noticed that in real life, many seem to take light-hearted jokes personally. I believe everyone should be able to laugh at herself once in a while, because I mean, hey, some of the things we do are funny! Life, in my opinion, isn't that serious. For example, I am a lesbian who can laugh at lesbian jokes once in a while. Some of them are funny, quite honestly! Does it make me anti-gay? Well, obviously, no. I just think some people need to lighten up a little and understand that not everyone is out to get them.

With that said, I think maybe users on TeenHelp can be more sensitive to jokes because this is a place where they are able to share their feelings openly. Sometimes when you're struggling with something, it's easy to take a comment or remark the wrong way. They're putting their heart and soul on here, and that can be scary in itself. They might be on hyper-alert because they're afraid that they'll be judged for something they've posted. Not to mention, I know a lot of users, myself included, suffer from depression and/or low self-esteem. When people are feeling that vulnerable, I know oftentimes they tend to over-analyze things and take them to heart.

Plus, as I'm sure you know, jokes don't always come off well on the internet. Wording (and use of smiley faces! ) is important.

Naturally, none of this is an excuse to threaten you or anything like this. I just hope this maybe gives you some insight as to why people are more prone to take jokes the wrong way here.

[Lugez]

In general, I agree with you. But you always need to remember who your audience is when saying jokes. The same joke won't go well in all social circles. You also need to know the individual AND where they're coming from. You can't expect people to take it lightly all the time...Because everyone isn't like that, sadly.

Take this website for example. It's called "TeenHelp" for a reason. Most, if not all of us, are here because we have/had issues in the past and found this website to help us. Some people here are still suffering, and this creates a very sensitive atmosphere. And with that, you need to be extra careful about what jokes to say around here. Jokes can also be hard to understand over the internet because sarcasm can be difficult to spot, even with the smilies.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

I agree with the OP completely. Some people are more sensitive so they may take daily things seriously, including jokes. However, Internet also lacks vocal intonation so sarcasm is harder to detect. I think overall, people expect to be patted on the head nicely and cooed to, so when that doesn't happen they can "flip out". I've had people also remain upset even after I apologized several times over and it seems they feel justified in flipping out. It is something I dislike on this site but there are a few people who can handle jokes and even joke back.

[bailatyvm]

Haha; that made me laugh. ..not really. well, yes. Ahaha, but I get what you're saying, the reason I don't joke around on here is because no one else really does unless you pm/vm them..

[fullofsecrets]

Originally Posted by Lugez

In general, I agree with you. But you always need to remember who your audience is when saying jokes. The same joke won't go well in all social circles. You also need to know the individual AND where they're coming from. You can't expect people to take it lightly all the time...Because everyone isn't like that, sadly.

Take this website for example. It's called "TeenHelp" for a reason. Most, if not all of us, are here because we have/had issues in the past and found this website to help us. Some people here are still suffering, and this creates a very sensitive atmosphere. And with that, you need to be extra careful about what jokes to say around here. Jokes can also be hard to understand over the internet because sarcasm can be difficult to spot, even with the smilies.

I agree completely. A lot of people are sharing information that they may already be uncomfortable sharing, and what you perceive as a light-hearted comment they may find insulting. As a general rule of thumb, if you think it might offend ANYONE - don't post it. It's better to keep silent than hurt someone's feelings, even unintentionally.

[LittleMiss]

I guess it's like, if you went up to a group having a normal conversation and you made a joke, they'd probably all laugh.
If one of those people was crying and upset and you made a joke, the whole group would probably think you're being insensitive because honestly, when confronting someone who's upset is not the most tactful thing to do.

[MegaMadness]

I kinda agree with you Marissa. I love having a bit of a joke and I hate when peoplt take everything really seriously.

[Awakening]

Yup I get what you mean. I've noticed this a lot lately as well. Which happens to be an issue for me, because I make jokes all the time. Not even on purpose. I'm just the type of person that does that. Usually people find me pretty funny, but I do get the occasional person that I offend, so I apologize and move on.
I don't really make jokes on here though. It's way to easy to offend somebody. Because it's so hard to interpet things over the internet the way you want them I use smileys. When I'm joking around or messing with somebody I'll use or Something along those lines. It lets people know that I mean what I'm saying to be funny and not serious.

But yeah I get what you mean.

[TheBabyEater]

The problem is though, that I'd never say a joke to someone that was obviously hurting or in a bad mood unless I knew the person well and knew that it would cheer them up. The settings in which I often say these jokes or mess around a lot, are in places like the chat room. When everyone, count it everyone is chit chatting about anything. In a setting where everyone is in a relatively decent mood. No one asking for help, no one even complaining about whatever small detail that is wrong in their life now. But even then, people get so upset at small things these days.

Apparently, humor is not aloud as a form of help anyway.

[Briana]

This actually happened to me recently on fb. I made a comment that was completely joking around and most people laughed and what not...but one person did not find it funny at all. I guess some people aren't born with a sense of humor. I say, keep joking around, because that is who you are, if someone gets offended, apologize and walk away. ya know?

[Audacious]

I think sometimes online it is hard to figure out if a comment is joking or not.
I remember having this happen between you and I not too long ago, and I apologize if I have contributed to you feeling this way. I tried to say something that was a serious question, and a joke was made, and it just made me angry because I was trying to be serious. I guess I was also being over-sensitive, but that's all circumstantial right. You never know what people are going through on a daily basis, so online it's hard to make jokes sometimes and not hurt people.

FOR EXAMPLE, House and I often joke about Lupus, becuase it's a line from the TV show, "House," and then once in S+A, I met somebody whose mother had died from lupus, and I felt like crap for joking about it.

Try to use more smileys when you are joking haha. That would make it easier for me at least to tell when it's a joke. I guess I could also just keep in mind that you are always joking, haha.

[PutYourHeartsUp]

I do kind of agree, but a lot of times I don't think people KNOW you're joking or being sarcastic.
I know I don't always know when you're serious and when you're not.

[TheBabyEater]

Keena, pretty much everyone that knows me knows I'm always kidding around.

Besides, it's honestly insulting when people think I'm seriously that rude or insensitive. A lot of times I do use 'smiley faces' but people think I use them to further make fun of them. -.- Like, it's my job in the world to personally make fun of every single child in the world.

If you think this way, perhaps you deserve to be made fun of

[Ali Baba]

This thread really offends me :P I agree totally, people are very quick these days to play the 'i'm being bullied' card. Sometimes you're just trying to lighten the mood and someone starts acting all offended. Then you don't know what to say... (but secretly find it funny that your little comment that was totally innocent has someone in a huff) *shrugs* Ah I dunoooo. Keep being funny, we can't let all the humour be sucked out of the world! :P

[TheNumber42]

Originally Posted by Mr. Gir

Do you think it's funny making that smiley face at me? I take this site very seriously and that hurts. I just... I don't know if I can go on using this site when people are so disrespectful of me. I hope you're happy with yourself! I. HOPE. YOU. ARE. HAPPY.

[Beetbox]

Oh Marissa I have felt like this for a long time. I love you because you stole the words out of my mouth. I could call you a name jokingly in chat or one of my other friends after making it really obvious we are friends and people jump down my throat pm me attacking me and pm you or whatever friend and tell them to ignore me. I mean it makes you feel like shit that people would be that like ugh.

I mean joking between friends is not allowed. Joking is not allowed. I think I should just make a robot and send it into chat and be like "Yes/I'm sorry/I am NOT funnybot".

[Fairy Poppins]

I think that sometimes humour doesn't travel very well between countries.

Something might seem amusing to someone in the UK, but someone in the US may take offence to it, for example.

Of course it does depend on the type of person too and what they are going through. If someone is depressed and hates the world, they may not take a joke very well. It's just the way it is.

Age may also play a part.

In short, we on TH are all different ages and from different countries, so you can't always expect to get a good response when you're joking around. Don't take it heart, just learn who you can have a laugh at/with and who you can't.

[Hallelujah]

I completely disagree with you. The real problem is people don't understand sarcasm


For those of you who the thread refers to ^this^ was sarcasm. Tehehehe.

Lolz, srsly. People need to lighten up mannnnn. Listen to the trees and be at peace etc etc.

And most of all, BE MOST EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER.

[The Morrigan]

I feel like this sometimes too, Marissa. Sometimes I'm in a very sarcastic mood but I feel like I have to watch what I say in chat in case it offends anyone and since I'm a mod I feel even more under pressure to try not to offend anyone

I guess I've just learnt who can take and who can't take a joke.

I agree with Jaz too. When I see US celebrities on UK talk shows like Alan Carr or something they don't seem to get the humour all the time and wind up sitting there looking awkward while everyone else laughs

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by fullofsecrets

if you think it might offend ANYONE - don't post it. It's better to keep silent than hurt someone's feelings, even unintentionally.

What you're asking for is ridiculous because just about anything you post may intentionally or unintentionally affect someone. Besides, other times you don't think it will affect someone. Overall, you're implying not to post at all.

Originally Posted by Briana

This actually happened to me recently on fb. I made a comment that was completely joking around and most people laughed and what not...but one person did not find it funny at all. I guess some people aren't born with a sense of humor. I say, keep joking around, because that is who you are, if someone gets offended, apologize and walk away. ya know?

I have an alternative I use on here. If someone is offended, too bad I keep joking around although I may avoid joking with them. I skip the apologizing stage because it seems unnecessary and can kill the mood.

Originally Posted by JazzyJazz

I think that sometimes humour doesn't travel very well between countries.

Something might seem amusing to someone in the UK, but someone in the US may take offence to it, for example.

Of course it does depend on the type of person too and what they are going through. If someone is depressed and hates the world, they may not take a joke very well. It's just the way it is.

Age may also play a part.

In short, we on TH are all different ages and from different countries, so you can't always expect to get a good response when you're joking around. Don't take it heart, just learn who you can have a laugh at/with and who you can't.

I think everyone should joke around with everyone, not just with certain people. For people who aren't in a great mood, a joke can sometimes lift their spirits. If it doesn't, then hopefully someone else can appreciate the joke in whatever mood they're in. If someone hates the world, I make joke around by sarcastically painting the world as a beautiful place. They may still hate the world but at least they may also be a bit more chipper.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

My two pence, although I usually stay out of threads like this.

Sometimes I can talk a joke and other days I can't. If all of a sudden no one joked around with me in case I was having a bad day, I'd feel really quite upset. I'd say just act yourself around everyone and then if someone is offended because they're having a bad day or just can't take a joke, they can just back off. Obviously, this doesn't apply to anything that is purposefully derogatory or racist.

If this post made no sense, please ignore it...

[TheBabyEater]

There are a lot of the same people that can just never, ever take a joke.

I think the world has lost it's laugh box

[♥ Choir. ♥]

I've noticed this in chat so much lately. Someone says something with a face or a jk right afterward and someone takes it to heart, even if it wasn't said to them. Humor is different to everyone, it depends on where you are, what is your situation, how old you are, ext. Things that can be taken serious offense to shouldn't be said, at least while that person is around. I know you can't always tell that, for example when the student-loans thing came up in chat someone got really offended, I found that kinda stupid. I like the person who was offended, but I think they way overreacted to that convo. People need to learn how to take sarcasm, but first we need to find a way for it to be taken correctly online.

If that sounds coherent at all.

[Hallelujah]

We should organise FCRDs on humour, then one for group hugs afterwards. That way, if someone gets upset by jokes, we can explain them and give them a reassuring hug when they realise they've been living their lives in the serious lane.

[Pelios]

Originally Posted by Mr. Gir

There are a lot of the same people that can just never, ever take a joke.

I think the world has lost it's laugh box

They lack etiquette.