People Are Sharing Ways In Which ‘Harmless’ Pranks Ended In Tragedy (35 Stories)

Folklorist Moira Marsh, author of the book "Practically Joking," believes that pranking appeals to people because it requires a good deal of creativity. "They take planning. They take knowledge of a situation, knowledge of the person you're targeting. Sometimes the planning is extremely elaborate."

Since harmless practical jokes often result in laughter, it adds even more fun to it. "It's important, psychologically, to have time for play," Marsh explains.

Another motivation is the opportunity to have the upper hand over someone who normally has more social power. "If you are a younger person, you have license to play jokes on your teachers, your elders, your parents," Marsh explained. "You have the added thrill of a temporary role reversal or temporary power inversion. For a kid to be able to, for a little while, get the upper hand over an adult, it flips the usual relationship. It flips the usual power dynamic. That's thrilling and enjoyable."

However, Jonathan Wynn, a sociology professor, notes that if the prankster has more social power or privilege over their "victim," like a parent pranking a child or a group of students “pranking” a transgender student, then this should cause some concerns. A good prank should be shared, not targeted at one “inferior” person.

One of the most common ways pranks go wrong is when they physically harm another individual. Therefore, knowing when it's a good idea to refrain from pulling one might be necessary. Psychologist Dr. Ronnie Siddique suggests asking these questions before carrying out a practical joke:

• Has the target of the prank stated they want this behavior to stop, or have they shown previous distress with any pranks?
• Is the target of the prank a vulnerable person, such as a child, an individual with a mental disorder, or a person with disabilities?
• Could this prank in any way cause harm to a person, either psychologically, physically, or both?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions (or perhaps all of them), it’s best to stop in your tracks and reevaluate your joke.