Pranksters

Pranksters are individuals or groups who perform pranks, practical jokes, or hoaxes intended to surprise, amuse, or provoke a reaction. Pranks can involve deception, performance, or staged situations, and range from mild jokes among friends to large-scale public stunts. In many contexts, pranksters aim for harmless humor rather than damage or fear.

Historically, humor based on deception appears in folklore as trickster figures such as Loki or Anansi. In contemporary culture, prank activity has expanded with media, social networks, and video sharing. Pranks are often categorized as practical jokes, social experiments, or hoaxes, with varying degrees of consent and audience awareness.

Practices vary from spontaneous jokes among acquaintances to coordinated public performances. Safety, privacy, and legality are common considerations. Ethical pranks avoid causing lasting distress, property damage, or taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. Organizers may obtain consent or inform participants after the fact to limit harm.

Impact and notable examples include organized groups like Improv Everywhere, which stages large, non-harmful public performances. Online prank communities produce viral videos that spark discussion about norms and boundaries, while some critics view prank culture as sensationalist or exploitative.

See also: Trickster; Hoax; Social experiment.