Hotel Staff Calls The Cops On Woman's Colleague After A "Prank" Where He Pretended To Be A Creepy Killer

What is with the sudden uptick in rude, hurtful, and unfunny pranks on the internet? When did hurting strangers and friends become the norm for a few internet points?

So many channels make money off of humiliating each other through childish pranks and I honestly don't understand the reason behind it. You wouldn't think that these types of pranks are that big of a deal until you become the unwitting target.

A young woman was the recent subject of a prank at her workplace. She works as a front desk clerk for a hotel.

OP (original poster) works the night shift but not alone. She is typically accompanied by her 30-year-old male coworker who wasn't around this specific night.

OP was all alone and it was 2 o'clock in the morning. She noticed a figure in the dark parking lot; the lighting is atrocious but OP can see a little bit from where she is stationed in the lobby.

This person was just standing in the dark parking lot and not moving for about 10 minutes. OP, of course, found this strange and it creeped her out.

Suddenly the person moved as if he was calling someone. The hotel lobby's phone rang and OP heard the following terrifying declaration: "Five buried, none found," in a low voice then the call was dropped.

OP got scared and she ran to the back to call 911

She explained to the operator the strange events of the night. Thankfully, they sent a couple of cops to check on the situation.

The cops talked to the person in the parking lot. One officer stayed with the strange person while the other went to the lobby to talk to OP.

The officer told OP that the parking lot person was claiming he was a hotel staff. OP got even more confused by this but she admitted that she didn't see the person's face.

The other police officer escorted the strange person to the lobby. OP finally saw that the creepy person was her 30-year-old coworker who is now angry.

He said he wouldn't have pranked OP if he knew she was going to have him arrested. OP didn't press any charges against her colleague but she did tell her manager about the night's events.

That incident happened a few days ago but her other colleagues are distancing themselves from OP. She's guessing that the male coworker told everyone about what happened and the consensus is OP is not a good sport.

throwawayclerk24638

Was OP wrong for calling the cops on her coworker for a terrifying prank gone wrong? Read the full post below:

throwawayclerk24638 throwawayclerk24638

The Psychology of Pranking

Pranking, especially when it crosses the line into harassment or fear-induction, is often rooted in a psychological phenomenon known as 'schadenfreude,' the pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune. Research published in the journal Emotion demonstrates that individuals may engage in pranks to elevate their own social status or self-esteem by eliciting laughter at another's expense. This behavior can be particularly prevalent in environments where social media amplifies the visibility of such actions, creating a feedback loop that encourages more extreme forms of humor.

Moreover, the need for social validation can lead to desensitization toward the emotional impact these pranks have on victims. The implications are significant—what might begin as a harmless joke can escalate into severe psychological distress for the targeted individual.

throwawayclerk24638 throwawayclerk24638

His plan backfired so he's now lashing out. If it's possible, OP should be more scared of him now.

Biteme75

Understanding the motivations behind harmful pranks can shed light on broader social dynamics. Social psychologists often point to the concept of 'in-group versus out-group' mentality to explain why individuals may target those outside their immediate circle. This 'us versus them' mindset can foster a sense of superiority among group members, leading to the normalization of aggressive or humiliating behaviors against others.

According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals are more likely to engage in harmful behaviors when they perceive the victim as different or as part of an out-group. This highlights the importance of fostering empathy and understanding in social environments, which can mitigate the prevalence of such pranks.

Why would he want to scare OP into quitting?

throwawayclerk24638

Anyone in their right mind would have reacted the same way OP did

LadyBloo

Your safety should come first and if your workplace thinks otherwise, you should start looking for a new job

lktn62, LadyBloo

The Role of Empathy

Empathy plays a crucial role in how individuals interpret and engage in pranks. A lack of empathy can lead to a failure to recognize the emotional consequences of one's actions, which can be especially problematic in workplace settings. Research indicates that individuals with higher levels of empathy are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors, as they can better understand the feelings and perspectives of others.

For example, studies published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin show that empathy training can lead to more compassionate interactions and a decrease in aggressive behaviors. By incorporating empathy-building exercises into team dynamics, workplaces can create a culture that prioritizes respect and understanding, potentially reducing the occurrence of harmful pranks.

OP needs a paper trail now and she should immediately go to HR to have everything put into writing

smokinbbq

By any standard, this wasn't a prank

CSCasper

When OP files a complaint to their company's HR, she shouldn't use the term 'prank'

Atty_Aveline

One of the key aspects contributing to the rise of hurtful pranks is the pervasive influence of social media, which amplifies both the visibility and acceptability of such behaviors. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford found that social media platforms can create environments where negative behaviors are not only tolerated but celebrated. This can lead individuals to believe that extreme pranks are amusing rather than harmful.

To counter this trend, it is essential for organizations to actively promote a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel secure in expressing their concerns about unprofessional behaviors. Implementing clear guidelines about acceptable conduct and the potential repercussions of harmful pranks can help foster a more respectful workplace.

'Harassment' is a more fitting term, no?

Neenknits

OP is being made to believe that she overreacted. Her other coworkers are jerks, too for ostracizing OP after the incident

WolfShaman

OP should file a complaint but she shouldn't retaliate in any shape, way, or form

Atty_Aveline

Practical Solutions for Prevention

To address the problem of hurtful pranks, organizations should consider implementing training programs that focus on conflict resolution and communication skills. Research indicates that such training can significantly reduce workplace bullying and enhance overall team cohesion.

For example, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Workplace Behavior demonstrates that organizations that invest in emotional intelligence training see a marked decrease in aggressive behaviors. This training equips employees with the tools to navigate interpersonal conflicts more effectively and fosters a culture of mutual respect.

Additionally, establishing a robust reporting system for harmful behaviors can empower victims, providing them with a clear pathway to seek support and resolution.

What the "prankster" did was absolute serial killer behavior

leftclicksq2

As someone who has also watched too many episodes of Criminal Minds, a lot of the killers have a similar M.O. to this guy

DNorthman

Him saying it was a prank was a cop-out in case OP didn't go along with his idea of a joke

CrimeAid

One of the alarming aspects of recent pranks is their potential to trigger psychological distress in victims, which can have lasting effects. Research in the field of trauma psychology indicates that exposure to unexpected fear or humiliation can lead to symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even in the absence of physical harm.

A study by Dr. Judith Herman at Harvard Medical School highlights that emotional trauma can manifest in various forms, including anxiety, depression, and a heightened sense of vulnerability. This underscores the importance of recognizing the seriousness of seemingly innocent pranks, as the psychological ramifications can be profound and far-reaching.

What made him think this was okay?

MaxPower637

If OP didn't act fast, he could have escalated things and terrorized her for longer than just one night

xenedra0

Have to agree with this one

MissionRevolution306

The Importance of Workplace Culture

The foundation for reducing harmful pranks lies in cultivating a positive workplace culture that prioritizes respect and inclusivity. According to research published in the Journal of Business and Society, organizations that actively promote a culture of respect and support not only experience lower rates of bullying but also see improvements in employee morale and productivity.

Strategies such as regular team-building activities, open forums for discussing workplace behavior, and the recognition of positive interpersonal interactions can significantly enhance workplace culture. By fostering an environment where employees feel valued and respected, organizations can mitigate the occurrence of hurtful pranks and the detrimental effects they have on individuals.

Then making it seem like OP is the bad guy for reacting appropriately

CrimeAid

OP had no idea that the guy was her coworker. To OP, he was a real threat and calling the police was the correct course of action.

LunaMissions0504

This can't be said enough. Women are terrified to even go on jogs alone or walk on a deserted street. Safety is not a joke.

theresbeans

In examining the dynamics of pranks, it's interesting to note that humor can serve as a double-edged sword. While humor can be a powerful tool for building connections and easing tensions, it can also be weaponized to harm others. A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals often misinterpret the intent behind humor, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Thus, it's essential to foster a culture where humor is used inclusively rather than at the expense of others. Encouraging employees to reflect on the impact of their humor can lead to more supportive interactions and reduce the likelihood of pranks that cross the line into cruelty.

There's a show on Netflix where people pull pranks on unassuming strangers. It's not funny; the only acceptable prank show is "Just For Laughs Gags."

OP shouldn't have gone through something like this at her workplace. What her coworker did was unprofessional and downright terrifying and OP isn't overreacting when she called the cops. Period.

Expert Opinion

This incident highlights a troubling trend where the line between humor and harassment gets blurred, often fueled by a lack of empathy and the desire for social validation. The coworker's actions likely stem from a misguided need to bond or assert dominance, reflecting a broader pattern in social dynamics where individuals engage in risky behaviors for laughs without considering the emotional repercussions on others. Ultimately, this underscores the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes respect and psychological safety, as well as the need for empathy training to mitigate such harmful behaviors.

Dr Aaron Mills

Psychologist

Ultimately, the rise of hurtful pranks reflects deeper societal issues related to empathy, social dynamics, and the influence of modern communication platforms. As outlined in studies on workplace behavior, the key to mitigating these harmful actions lies in fostering a culture of respect and understanding.

By implementing training programs, promoting open communication, and establishing clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, organizations can create safer environments. Recognizing the psychological impacts of such actions is crucial, as they can have lasting effects on individuals' mental health. With intentional efforts, workplaces can shift toward a culture that values compassion over cruelty, humor over humiliation.