Politics

Why argue when you can laugh? When reacting 'Haha' itself becomes dissent

A laugh can be dismissed as nothing, while a crowd of laughs can say everything. What happens when a Facebook 'Haha' becomes more than just amusement? From Narendra Modi’s emotional moment to Donald Trump’s assassination attempt the reaction has evolved into an ambiguous form of expression. This explainer examines the psychology, semiotics and political economy of the Haha reaction—and asks why, in the age of social media, laughter may be becoming a language of opposition.

Utsa Pal
10 min read
Why argue when you can laugh? When reacting 'Haha' itself becomes dissent

A Prime Minister breaks down on camera. A former president is shot at a campaign rally. A government announces assistance after a devastating landslide. None of these moments might look inherently funny. Yet the internet can respond to all three with the same tiny symbol: 😂.

In May 2021, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while speaking about those who had died during the second wave of COVID-19, The Quint counted the reactions to videos posted by major news organisations. Betwe...

Join the Inscript family today to read the full article

All of Inscript's work, open to subscribers

Investigation, opinion, analysis
at just ₹149 - all of it within your reach

SubscribeAlready a Subscriber? Sign in
Written by
Utsa Pal
Utsa Pal
7 Followers

Read more

Why Is Paschim Banga back in Bengal’s name Debate?

The West Bengal government plans to introduce a Bill to rename the state Paschim Banga, reviving a name-change debate that has continued since 1999. Why has the proposal returned now, and what does the new name signify?

inscriptinscript
Nadeem Ahmed arrest: Delhi Police probe AI-generated poster and reel circulated during protest

Delhi Police arrested 24-year-old Nadeem Ahmed over allegedly AI-generated posters and reels falsely presented as CCTV footage during October 3 protests.

inscriptinscript
Why did Rahul Gandhi’s march to the Election Commission end?

The INDIA bloc’s march to meet CEC Gyanesh Kumar was stopped by police, triggering detentions and a standoff at Akashvani Bhavan. Why was the Opposition denied access to the Election Commission?

inscriptinscript
Bengal By-Elections: Symbol-less Trinamool in Nandigram, Humayun Kabir arrested in Rejinagar

The Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections are the first major electoral test of Bengal’s new political landscape after the BJP’s 2026 Assembly victory. Amid high turnout, electoral-roll disputes, arrests and allegations of irregularities, the contests raise wider questions about democracy and representation.

Atri BhattacharyaAtri Bhattacharya
Why did the Supreme Court reject the ECI’s Form 6 claim?

The Supreme Court has clarified that it never approved any modification to Form 6, contradicting the Election Commission’s claim that its SIR-linked declaration had judicial backing. Why did the ECI invoke the court’s May judgment to defend a change already questioned by two Election Commissioners?

inscriptinscript
Was the FlyDubai attack a security failure?

A cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight has exposed serious questions over pilot vetting and Israel’s aviation-security system, even as the incident is being rapidly recast as a terrorism story and diplomatic spectacle. What does the investigation reveal about the security gap behind the hero narrative?

inscriptinscript
Neha Bora Carries Delhi's pain to Kolkata, calls for resistance

“When blood is shed in Delhi, Kolkata feels the pain. And when blood is shed in Kolkata, Delhi will surely stand with us.” From battered bodies to unbroken voices, Neha Bora’s message was simple: resistance survives through solidarity across cities and struggles.

inscriptinscript
Who Is Accountable for the Allegations of Women’s Harassment in Delhi’s Protests?

As Delhi’s anti-CEC protests see mass detentions, women protesters and journalists have alleged manhandling and sexual harassment by police personnel. With a Crime Branch inquiry now underway, what do the complaints reveal about how women are being treated during the crackdown?

inscriptinscript