system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: As humans we seem to have an instinctual desire to be entertained, with videogames, boardgames, TV, jokes, the internet, etc.. Is there a scientific explanation detailing the evolutionary value of entertainment with humans and possibly other animals?

Title.
Also are there any unique ways that animals entertain themselves?
gpt
Survival wise a huge amount of species play 'games' to hone skills that they will use. This is why so many animals play-fight (among other activities).


It would seem logical that the games we play perform a similar role of hones our intellect/reasoning/mental skills in a way that helps us be more effective at survival.


As for jokes - they are likely slightly separate and to do with forming close bonds with your group, given the tribal/group nature of humans (I think it's fair to say all human groups ever discovered had tribal / group hierarchies of some form).