A new study conducted by the University of California has found a very simple way to find out if you have real friends. So simple that it would seem almost ridiculous!

Nearly 1,000 people from 24 countries around the world were asked to listen to short recordings of individuals laughing. Although the recordings were only a few seconds long, the subjects who underwent the study were able to distinguish which of those who laughed were real friends, and who were new acquaintances. 61% of the answers were correct thus drawing a very surprising conclusion.

"Laughter is not only communication between people, but also a signal to others who follow this relationship from the outside. It is a powerful tool that gives us information about the sincerity that a social connection has "- said one of the psychologists who participated in the study.

Source: The Independent