Wisconsin Parents Flood Police Lines After Students’ AI Dorm Prank Goes Viral on TikTok
MADISON, WISCONSIN — A viral AI-generated photo prank sweeping across TikTok has taken a chaotic turn in Wisconsin, where concerned parents flooded police lines after believing their college-aged kids suddenly had mystery roommates moving into their dorms.
According to a report from WFRV, the prank involves college students using AI image generators to create fake photos of their dorm rooms — often showing strangers or bizarre made-up scenes — and then sending them to their parents as a joke.
AI Dorm Prank Sparks Confusion
The trend, which spread rapidly over the weekend, has left several Wisconsin parents panicking and calling campus or local police to report that “someone new” had moved into their child’s room without notice.
“It’s super funny and harmless,” police officials told WFRV, “but please let your parents know it’s a prank before they call us.”
Authorities emphasized that no real incidents have been reported on Wisconsin campuses despite the viral images circulating online.
Experts Warn of AI Misinformation Risks
AI photo generators like Midjourney and DALL·E can now produce incredibly realistic images in seconds, allowing users to stage almost any scenario — from dorm rooms filled with strangers to absurd visual pranks.
While most students intend the prank to be lighthearted, experts say the trend highlights a growing issue: how easily artificial intelligence can blur reality and trigger real-world reactions.
“Even harmless jokes can have unintended consequences when people can’t tell what’s real,” one digital media analyst explained.
Police Urge Students to Think Before Posting
Law enforcement agencies in Madison and Green Bay are urging students to be more responsible with their posts, reminding them that AI-generated misinformation can quickly escalate.
Officials warned that emergency resources were briefly tied up handling parent calls — all over photos that never depicted real events.
“We just want students to be more thoughtful,” police said. “Technology is powerful, and we don’t want jokes turning into panic.”
The viral “AI dorm prank” may have started as harmless humor, but it’s now prompting renewed conversations about AI responsibility, misinformation, and digital literacy among college students. For more trending tech and community news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.