Why do people prank on the internet?

Answer 1

There are many different reasons why people pull pranks online. Some just want to feel important or get attention, so if they put out a hoax and many fall for it, they can pat themselves on the back for being so "clever."

This was more common in the early days of internet where pranksters assumed everyone was gullible. A lot of people didn't know how things worked or assumed the world worked differently when online.

For some, they used the Internet the same way they once used the postal service. So they would just use the computer to send chain letters and mail hoaxes.