Social coordination is governed by a set of (usually unexplained) rules that we pick up on as we grow up. Some of us better than others. I am more socialized than I would have liked. I find a deep tribal instinct within me. I want to fit in.

There is no external agent enforcing social etiquette (this is actually how we define etiquette). To the individual, etiquette feels eternal: we do not have many data points for how humans interact at scale.

The case for pranks? Entertaining ways to regularly break social norms. Because norms need to be broken, since the stresses on society changes quickly, yet society doesn’t adapt quick enough (this gap is the essence of any progressive movement). Our desire to be well socialized is often maladaptive. Etiquette is purely instrumental.