If you’ve spent any time in the toddler or preschool trenches, you know I Will Surprise My Friend. It’s a classic Mo Willems book where Gerald and Piggie decide to surprise each other, end up waiting on opposite sides of a giant rock, and slowly spiral into anxiety because they think the other person has disappeared or been eaten by a "big scary monster."

It’s adorable. It’s relatable. And it’s actually the perfect metaphor for what’s happening in your kid’s YouTube Kids or TikTok feed right now.

In the book, the "surprise" is about connection. In the digital world, "surprise" is often a synonym for "prank," and the goal isn't connection—it's views, engagement, and the elusive "viral moment."

Kids are biologically wired for the "gotcha." That spike of dopamine when something unexpected happens is addictive.

Not all surprises are created equal. Here is how "surprise culture" breaks down across the media your kids are consuming:

MrBeast has mastered the "benevolent surprise." It's the "I bought my friend a house" or "I surprised a random person with $10,000" genre. While it’s generally positive, it sets a weird standard for kids that a "surprise" isn't valid unless it costs a year's salary. It turns the act of giving into a spectacle. Learn more about the "MrBeast effect" on kids

If you want to see the "brain rot" version of surprise culture, look no further. LankyBox features high-pitched screaming, bright colors, and constant "surprises" involving Roblox characters or Skibidi Toilet themes. The pranks are often fake, scripted, and incredibly loud. It’s sensory overload designed to keep a 7-year-old’s eyes glued to the screen.

This is where we get into "Ohio" territory (the Gen Alpha slang for "weird" or "cringe"). Channels that feature "pranking my girlfriend by telling her I cheated" or "pranking my mom by faking an injury" are toxic. They teach kids that emotional manipulation is a valid form of entertainment.

Stick to physical books like I Will Surprise My Friend or shows like Bluey. In the Bluey episode "Hide and Seek," the "surprise" is about the joy of being found. It’s gentle and emphasizes that a surprise should be fun for everyone. Check out our guide on the best Bluey episodes for emotional intelligence

This is when they start seeing "in-game" pranks. In Roblox, players might "troll" or "prank" others by stealing items or trapping them. This is the time to talk about digital citizenship. If the person being "surprised" isn't laughing, it’s not a prank—it’s bullying. Read our guide on Roblox safety and "trolling"

Teens are susceptible to viral prank trends (think "The Invisible Prank" or various "challenges"). The conversation here should be about consent and the "why" behind the video. Are they doing it for the friend, or for the followers?

You don't need to be a buzzkill, but you can be a "reality check." Use the Mo Willems book as a starting point, even for older kids (they’ll remember it fondly).

Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about digital empathy

Surprises are a fundamental part of childhood joy. We want our kids to have that "Gerald and Piggie" excitement. But the digital version of "I will surprise my friend" has been hijacked by algorithms that reward shock value over genuine connection.

By pointing out the difference between a "Mo Willems surprise" (fun, empathetic, slightly silly) and a "LankyBox prank" (loud, fake, potentially mean), you're helping your kid develop the "crap detector" they need to navigate the internet.

Next Steps:

Check out our full guide on YouTube "Brain Rot" and how to spot it