Why Can't You Tickle Yourself? Science Fiction

Hi, everyone. Welcome to the show where you ask and we answer.

-It's Science Fiction.

-Science function.

Sorry, fiction, fiction, Science Fiction.

BUD E, what's today's question?

Today's question comes from Sidney in Sydney.

He asks, why can't you tickle yourself?

When someone tickles us without us expecting it,

our body temporarily enters panic mode

and the tension created is then released when we laugh.

Doctor Knowles, I have terrible tickles, it's fierce embarrassing.

Ha-ha. Ha-ha-ha.

When we try to tickle ourselves, nothing happens.

You're right, you know. Not a thing.

The part of the brain that monitors movements is called the cerebellum.

Sarah what? Who's she?

The cerebellum expects certain sensations

and doesn't take notice of them.

For example, when we open a door or sit down.

Or bash ourselves over the head. Ah!

But if we feel an unexpected sensation like being tickled,

then the brain pays more attention and we enter panic mode.

I get it, it's all about the element of surprise, really?

Exactly, Professor. Your brain knows that you are the one trying

to tickle yourself, so it doesn't react.

So it's a bit like trying to frighten yourself. Watch this. Boo!

Nothing. Ooh! Nothing, see, it's impossible.

That's a really good analogy, Professor.

-You know, I'm not just a pretty face.

-There you have it, Sidney.

You can't tickle yourself because you can't surprise yourself.

And that's a science fact.

Boo! No. Boogey-boogey-boogey! Ah!