Why does it tickle when somebody tickles you but not when you do it to yourself? And why does it make us laugh?

Question

Why does it tickle when somebody tickles you but not when you do it to yourself? And why does it make us laugh?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Our brains can predict our own movements, so when we try to tickle ourselves, our brain anticipates the sensation which reduces the ticklish response. Laughter from tickling is thought to be a social bonding mechanism or a reflex to unexpected touch.