Written by Elissa Cirio

Everyone in their life has experienced pranks, whether this was directed to them or it was their own machinations. The best prank I remember ever putting on is the one I pulled with a friend in high school. I was looking through pictures with a friend of mine and commented on how similar she and her sister looked, enough that they could be mistaken for twins. She was deep in denial of this fact and so the game began.

At school, I concocted this tale of an evil twin who was homeschooled because she was kicked out of school, and then proceeded to show the picture to my group of friends to tell if they can spot the lie. Lo and behold, everyone believed it! In the end, when we revealed the prank, it was met with laughter and turned into a great memory to reminisce.

Not all pranks end the same, however, like how not all jokes told are truly hilarious. There are jokes that have aged badly, like those who stereotype women, race, and gender. In our current society, nobody should have to just take it because “It is a joke.” Perpetuating this notion that you can insult a person and not be held accountable for it even you declared it a joke, is offensive and therefore, should never be tolerated.

Pranks can also go too far, for not everyone has the same mental stability or personal security. Some are faint-hearted, so they would likely take them with much gravity although you would normally see them as merely pranks. Pranks like telling a person who has been met with an accident, or causing undue panic is not always well-received. No matter how good natured one’s intention is, at the end of the day, it is up to the target of the prank whether it was good or harmful.

This does not mean that there are not any good pranks to pull off, even in an online setting. Here are some pranks you can do to have a good laugh this April Fools’:

1. Send lyrics as text messages.

Pick an appropriate song that your target is not familiar with and watch them absolutely be confused at how the conversation is going.

2. Create a meme!

Memes are always a good way to laugh. Make one of yourself or of a friend you know would love to be one.

3. Download a cracked screen wallpaper.

This one is a definite classic. Have someone in your home hand you your phone, open it and proceed to freak out.

4. Flood a friend with random facts.

Have them scrolling through your messages with random outrageous facts; it is educational and will warrant a giggle too.

5. Photoshop a ghost at your next story post.

This one will go over well especially since it is the Holy Week, and supernatural powers are lurking; watch people freak and message you.

In the end, the rule of the game is this: think of how you would take and respond to it if you were to be in their shoes. Remember, it is all fun and games until it could potentially be a ground for a lawsuit. Happy pranking, everyone! ��