Humor is the ability of a person to respond to situations that cause laughter or amusement, usually for the purpose of entertaining, improving social relationships, or reducing stress. In this regard, Salam Watandar conducted a survey in 22 provinces of Afghanistan to assess the level of humor and happiness among youths.
The findings show that 62% of youths consider themselves humorous, and 81.5% use humor to reduce stress. At the same time, 42% are unemployed, 34.4% are employed, and 23.6% are students. In terms of gender, more men (69.8%) describe themselves as humorous than women (56.7%).
Firoz Rahmani, a 27-year-old from Badghis, says he likes to create a cheerful and energetic atmosphere around him so people can enjoy their time. He says,
“I often make people laugh when I am in gatherings because I like it. I am the youngest son in my family, and I joke with them a lot. I also joke with my friends so we can have a good time. When I was studying, I tried to make learning fun, and we used to joke in class. I still do the same; I like to be humorous with others so they can have a good time.”
Rubina Samizada, a 24-year-old from Kabul, says that although she had banned from her education, she tries not to lose her sense of humor. However, she feels restrictions have made her less happy than before. She says,
“I studied engineering. I chose it with great enthusiasm. When I succeeded at university, I was so humorous that everyone in my first semester asked how I could study while joking so much. People think humorous individuals are lazy, but I was not like that; I could both study and joke. It is not that there is no pain and sadness; currently I am unemployed and have been banned from my lessons. To sum up, I am nothing: I neither became an engineer nor achieved my goals. However, I try not to take everything too seriously. What can I do? This is life. Humor reduces my stress.”
In contrast, 38% of youths do not consider themselves humorous. The main reasons are economic problems, psychological pressure, and heavy life responsibilities.
Laila, a 26-year-old from Jawzjan, says she has been banned from continuing her education and is facing many family problems. She adds,
“Most of the time my mind is full of life’s problems; I am under so much stress and have so many thoughts that I have lost my sense of humor. Even when my friends joke, I cannot laugh with them.”
Economic conditions and insufficient emotional support are among the factors that reduce humor and happiness among youths. Many youths believe that low income, high expectations from family and society, and the social and cultural environment reduce humor and happiness among them.
Fawad from Kabul believes that people’s happiness and sorrow depend on having a job and income. He says unemployment is one of the main causes of hopelessness among youths.
“At home and among friends, some people do not accept jokes and get upset easily, so I prefer to stay quiet so I don’t upset anyone,” he says.
Psychologists say that in situations where the future is uncertain and people face unemployment, economic hardships, poverty, and social restrictions, staying positive is a form of endurance. Soman Mohammadi, a psychologist, says,
“People with humor are often those who have endured life’s difficulties. It is a skill and talent that can be developed with practice. Life problems, especially in Afghanistan, such as economic and social problems among girls and restrictions, can cause individuals to develop depression. However, humor helps prevent serious psychological problems. Being around humorous people is also beneficial and can help reduce life stress.”
Sociologists believe that youths’ happiness is closely linked to social and economic development. Rashed Seddiqi, a sociologist, says,
“A society with happy youths is full of positive energy and hope. In such a society, there are fair opportunities for education and work. Strong social ties and family support help psychological stability. Motivated people are encouraged to grow and take part in society. Such a society is economically and culturally developing. Happiness is also linked to mental and physical health. Time for rest and entertainment increases vitality, and freedom and respect for individual rights are also pillars of their happiness.”
These findings come at a time when, according to the World Happiness Report 2025, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Afghanistan, however, remains at the bottom of the list, ranked 147th as the least happy country in the world.
Reporter: Sima Mayar
