The Influence of Social Reactions on Audience Experience

The laugh track used in television shows goes beyond laughter to include a full range of audience reactions, such as shock and squealing. Douglas's technique is powerful because experiencing events with others intensifies the experience. Our reactions to what we watch can be influenced by the reactions of those around us. Psychology studies show that we tend to unconsciously mimic other people's behaviors, impacting our thinking and reactions. The presence of others can alter our experience of an event. For instance, in an experiment by Tanya Chartrand, subjects were unknowingly influenced by confederates while describing magazine photos, demonstrating the power of social reactions on individuals.