Why do people clap? Eg/ Millionaire when someone wins £££££

[TWR]

[supersuezy24]

Or when planes land!! What The Funicular

[bibblebub]

because the studio director tells them to?

[supersuezy24]

True enough Bibblebub :)

[merciasounds]

I've wondered that too - also, they get clapped for knowing their own name
Presenter: Your'e Fred Smith, a plumber from Barking, is that right?
Contestant, yes! - cue clapping from audience!!
And yes, I know it's daft, but I always say out loud, 'the questions are going to get harder, mate!'

[TTG]

When did clapping to show approval first start?