What is it about funny prank videos that make us laugh so much? I have spent some time wondering why we laugh at funny prank videos that show the embarrassment and mild misfortunes of other people. I think that we laugh because of a twisted kind of empathy. I think I find funny prank videos amusing because I imagine how uncomfortable or embarrassed I would feel in that same situation, but at the same time I’m relieved that it is happening to someone else and not me.
I must admit that I love most funny prank videos even though they can be rather cruel and immature. One of the things that I like about funny prank videos is that they often transcend language. For example, in the clip above you don’t have to understand what the man on the treadmill is screaming to get a laugh out of it because you can hear the panic in his voice. Furthermore, the way he moves in the futile attempt to keep up is also hilarious. It may be an indication that I have a bit of a mean streak, but I have to admit that I laughed so hard when I watched this clip that my belly hurt.