Watch Out For Those Selfies, They Can Be Deadlier Than Sharks!

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Photo Credit: Ivan Kuznetsov

The proliferation of smartphones with cameras that can take self-portraits or selfies as they are popularly called has liberated us. We can now document every moment of our life and instantly share it with the world through the myriad of social networking websites. However, some believe that the incessant quest to capture the "ultimate" selfie is causing people to take unnecessary risks that in some cases are proving to be deadly!

So how bad is the problem? According to recent news reports, the desire to take a "breathtaking" selfie has killed 12 people this year. Though that may not seem like a lot, it is four (33%) more than the eight people that have died from shark attacks.

Photo Credit: Russian Interior Ministry

While the issues have been known for a while, they came to a head on September 21st, following the accidental death of Hideto Ueda at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. It turns out that the 66-year-old Japanese national and his travel companion were trying to take a selfie at the mausoleum's Royal Gate when they stumbled down some stairs. While the friend escaped with a fractured leg, Ueda was not as fortunate. He sustained a head injury and passed away soon after.

Other fatal accidents this year include a 21-year-old Russian woman who fell off a bridge while trying to capture an "exciting" self-portrait. Three Indian students suffered a similar fate after they were run over by an oncoming train while taking a selfie on the railway tracks.

Photo Credit: Supplied (Ford UK, 2014)

The rising number of injuries is forcing officials to take some drastic measures. In July this year, the Russian Interior Ministry began a nationwide awareness program to alert its young citizens about the dangers of this deceptively safe hobby. The campaign's slogan is: "Even a million 'likes' on social media are not worth your life and well-being."

The officials felt it was necessary because, “When a person is trying to photograph themselves, their attention is scattered, they lose their balance, they don’t look around and feel no danger.”

Image Credit: Singapore Sports Hub Facebook

Though no other country has followed their lead, many are banning the tool that has contributed substantially to the rise in injuries - The selfie stick! In the last few months numerous museums, sports arenas, and theme parks including Disney, have prohibited their use. In June, West Japan Railways (JR West) became the first such institution in the world to ban the sticks both inside Japan's bullet trains as well as out on the railway platforms.

While these measures may help reduce the incidents, the only way to stop selfie-related injuries and deaths is if everyone takes responsibility - Not just for themselves, but also, their friends. So the next time you or your best pal decide to take a selfie that appears a little risky, be sure to stop and ask yourself - Is it worth it?

Resources: digitaltrends.com, bbc.com,independent.co.uk.bbc.co.uk

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1440 Comments
  • jkbear
    jkbearalmost 4 years
    that is so dangerous
    • xeno
      xenoalmost 4 years
      If i had to choose Being famous or my life i would choose life
      • soup_can11
        soup_can11about 4 years
        How did that guy who got hit by the train not hear it coming?
        • ultrajango
          ultrajangoover 4 years
          so dangerous
        • kensiethecutie2
          kensiethecutie2over 4 years
          that's so dangerous I can't believe people would do that just to take a selfie! Imagine if they fell! They could say "Oh yeah 2 broken limbs and a head injury. But at least I got a cute Instagram photo!"
          • bookfan2009
            bookfan2009over 4 years
            CRAZY! I would NEVER do that! Even if it was a dare! #dangerous
            • zerotwo02
              zerotwo02over 4 years
              People who do a lot of trendy stuff have a higher chance of everything. And i mean a higher chance of getting sick, getting injured, and death.
              • searchlight
                searchlightover 4 years
                wow that seems crazy I never thought that could happen! but I guess It did
                • lolatheute
                  lolatheuteover 4 years
                  It's just a selfie people you don't need to take one on top of a building 😵😒
                • jr11
                  jr11almost 5 years
                  that is crazy. people risking there lives just for a selfie.