But if things like this _actually_ trigger any sort of response, then the effed up thing isn't the (childish) prank, it's the system actually acting on nonsense.

If I call the police and claim that you're armed and hold hostages, then that's irresponsible. If I shout bullshit instead and these novelty devices turn that into a web search, there's no way in hell that should have any consequences whatsoever.