2019 has proven to be a rollercoaster ride for most of us, and 2020 seems to be a gripping sequel. In line with the global pandemic that has taken over the world at the moment, individuals and even major companies seem to think that figuratively cancelling April Fool's Day is a wise decision.
April Fool's Day stunts in the last few years were usually harmless, eliciting a good laugh and an eye roll from a few (OKAY, not really). One good example is YouTube's Aquaman 2 ad last 2019, which, when clicked, redirected to the trailer for Shazam! instead of the trailer for the planned Aquaman sequel. And don't forget Google Tulip! Oh, to have a tulip friend that gives sound advice.
This year, however, I'm afraid that harmless is in short supply and we shouldn't risk it. With majority of the world’s population online almost 24/7, misinformation is easily spread and it's the last thing we need. From the ridiculously lame to the most clever and believable hoaxes, people can find the most effective way to fool others. I'll pass on that “new AI phone that can double as a clothing iron”, thank you!
Let's admit it, most people on the internet can be quite insensitive. And in their hands, April Fool’s Day might just become a weapon of fear and confusion. I just know that some celebrity will make an April Fool's joke about testing positive for COVID-19 and will get backlash from it. Some stranger on the internet could start a hoax about successfully finding the cure to COVID-19, and there are people who will believe it. Someone might spread news of a “special mask” that cleans itself after being worn, making it practically reusable for an indefinite amount of time. Let's take it a step, nay, a jump further and predict that someone, somewhere is already cooking up a fake World Health Organization (WHO) statement claiming that the COVID-19 pandemic might lead to a zombie apocalypse in 2021 if not cured. Mark my words!
With the global pandemic forcing people to be creative indoors, the influx of April Fool's shenanigans will surely be unimaginable. Hopefully, influencers and companies will inspire other people to opt out. Just take a pass on the meaningless pranks. Who needs them, anyway? When the universe has been pulling a huge joke on us for months on end, most pranks become stale.
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