After an extensive review of the literature on the theoretical underpinnings of humor in human interaction, a six-category typology of humor was developed and exemplified by examples from mass media comedy. Humor can first be divided into two major types: individual level humor or social level humor. These levels are then further divided into the following categories: (1) bisociation and cognition; (2) arousal and physiological response; (3) managing social relationships; (4) social control; (5) reference group affiliation; and (6) disparagement. However, a single comedic event may possess characteristics that cuts across categories. (Forty-five references are appended.) (MS)