What defines a prank as the perfect prank? Is it money spent, the amount of realism, or maybe just having a large number of one item involved, like bouncy balls. Regardless of how much or how little materials you have, it is all about finding that sweet spot.

“Many people, including scare actors, think that more fear is always better for the person being scared. However, research suggests this is not the case. Instead, people seek out a sweet spot of fear, where fun is maximised. This paper suggests that humour may be one tool a scare actor can use or promote, in order to help people achieve [that] sweet spot,” behavioural scientist at Aarhus University Dr. Coltan Scrivner said.

While pranks take on different characteristics, finding the sweet spot is the most important goal, but the best prank to one person might be different than another person’s.

“If they’re at your house, take a picture of their phone when they are not looking and then when they leave, send them the picture of their phone and tell them that they left their phone at your house,” senior Jackson Hughes said.

While some pranks can be as simple as that, others can take on a more complex endeavoring. Supplies might need to be acquired and other people need to be on board so that the prank is executed flawlessly.

“The best prank would be wrapping my friend’s truck in plastic wrap or bubble wrap, put some clear duct tape so they cannot see it but so the wrap is stuck on the truck,” freshman Clint Patton said.

No matter if pranks are simple or complex, they all should be safe and not cause any harm to individuals in any way. Pranks are supposed to be fun, and finding the perfect one is even better.