Gone are the days when you’d slip a whoopee cushion under someone before they sat down or turned a school bag inside out, as practical jokers turn to the internet nowadays.
In a new survey commissioned by the sweet makers Maynards (who make Wine Gums and the new ‘Sour Patch Kids’ – the best selling candy in the US, apparently) it was revealed that some of our favourite practical jokes are now committed online. Instead of brewing up a concoction of eggs and flour, practical jokers these days prefer to change their friend’s Facebook status or send an unflattering text from an unguarded phone.
The poll found that our favourite practical joke, or the oldest trick in the book as some might say, is actually jumping out at someone and scaring them. This is followed by making prank phone calls – is your refrigerator running? – and then online gags.
However, the internet age has had a major impact on how young practical jokers commit their crimes as two thirds of 18 – 24 year olds admitted to having their status changed by someone else at least once in the last year.
As for the main culprits, 74 per cent of men questioned admitted to carrying out pranks, compared to only 61 per cent of women.
