What is the point of a joke?

Jokes are meant to evoke humor and create laughter. They play on unexpected twists, wordplay, puns, irony, exaggeration, or any combination of techniques that result in a punchline or surprising conclusion. The main point of a joke is to provide entertainment, lighten the mood, or create a shared sense of amusement among listeners. By tapping into humor, jokes offer people momentary relief from life's stresses and allow them to connect through humor. Some jokes may also hold satirical elements or reflect cultural experiences in a lighter vein. Ultimately, the goal of a joke is to generate enjoyment and laughter in a social setting.