Scare tactics: scientists offer insights on what makes a perfect prank

Researchers come up with theory for why ‘jump scares’ are often followed by laughter – with advice on how to find ‘sweet spot’ of fear

Whether it’s a friend jumping out from behind a bush or accidentally walking into a web of fake cobwebs, most of us will have fallen victim to a scare prank at some point.

Now scientists have come up with a theory for why “jump scares” are so often followed by laughter – with insights for pranksters hoping to concoct Halloween tricks that tickle rather than terrify.

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