Have you heard of the childhood prank called “ring and run”?
Many of you might remember the thrill of ringing a doorbell and then quickly running away with friends as a child. This prank, known as “ring and run,” is gaining popularity again, particularly on TikTok. However, in the United States, this prank has tragically led to serious incidents, causing shock and concern.
According to reports from CNN and NBC on September 2, an 11-year-old boy in a Houston, Texas neighborhood was involved in a “ring and run” prank with his friends on the night of August 30th. The boy was shot by a homeowner and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The homeowner has been arrested, and the police are investigating the incident.
On platforms like TikTok, this prank has become a popular video content theme under “Prank,” enticing teenagers to take risks for increased views. Unfortunately, some are repeating these risky behaviors.
Similar incidents occurred last year as well. In May 2023, an 18-year-old in Virginia was fatally shot by a homeowner while carrying out a “ring and run.” The same year, in California, a 45-year-old man ran over three teenagers involved in the prank, resulting in their deaths.
In South Korea, perceptions of such pranks are also changing. There’s a growing discomfort towards pranks like “ring and run,” fueled by increasing awareness of privacy and home security concerns. What was once seen as a harmless game is no longer taken lightly.
There is also an increasing tendency for residents of apartments or houses to object to posting footage from doorbell-installed CCTVs on social media as part of these pranks. A prank that might once have been laughed off is now recognized as a potential source of discomfort or fear for others.
The combination of social media trends with the once-simple “ring and run” prank has transformed it into a dangerous act, far removed from its status as a nostalgic game. This recent incident prompts a reevaluation of the boundaries and responsibilities associated with pranks.