It can arise when there is a sudden change in one's perception of a situation, such as the realization of the punchline of a joke.

One theory suggests that amusement, specifically laughter, evolved as a social tool to enhance group survival. Laughter helps distinguish in-group members from out-group ones, fostering social cohesion within groups and signaling social dynamics, such as when someone needs to adjust their behavior to regain favor.

Another theory considers amusement as the result of a positive, high-arousal experience, like increased heart rate or sweating, which humans then cognitively interpret as amusement. This interpretation is influenced by past experiences, leading individuals to label their feelings as "amusing" when they resemble previous instances of humor.