New Delhi: A recently published study has found that almost 100 people died taking selfies in 2017, a phenomenon that has seen exponential growth in recent years. The study found that between 2011 and 2017, 259 people died taking selfies, with 159 such incidents reported in India.
The researchers called for “no selfie zones” across tourist areas, especially near water bodies, mountain peaks and tall buildings to decrease the incidence of “selfie deaths”.
Similar studies published earlier have shown that India has been seen maximum number of “selfie death” incidents.
The recent study, published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, says youngsters, especially young males, are more likely to take dangerous selfies, putting their life at risk. Almost two-thirds of the deaths were of males. The results show that people between the age of 10 and 29 years died in 86% of such incidents. Drowning, falling from elevated areas and transport (clicking selfies near a train or moving vehicle), were the leading causes of deaths.
While India has the highest selfie toll at 159 deaths, Russia with 16 reported deaths has the second highest deaths. US and Pakistan have respectively reported 14 and 11 deaths. The researchers suggest that India’s large young population could be one reason behind the high occurrence of selfie deaths.
The study has only included deaths reported in English language newspapers, which could be a reason why the data seems somewhat skewed. For instance, the study informs of 48 casualties in one incident, which seems to be an error in mistaking the number of injured for the number of dead. In July 2017, a bakery in Chennai was engulfed in fire and 48 people were injured because they stood too close to the fire and tried to take selfies. The study acknowledges that such incidents are under-reported in developing countries.
There has been an exponential growth in selfie deaths between 2014 and 2015. While 13 deaths were reported in 2014, the corresponding number next year – in 2015 – was 50. Ninety eight people in 2016 and 93 in 2017 died taking selfies. The researchers attributed the exponential growth to increased use of mobile phones, availability of ‘selfie sticks’ and encouragement for taking dangerous selfies to win awards.
This year too, there is no indication of a decline in the number of selfie deaths. In India alone, there have been several reports. Within a week in May this year, two incidents were reported. A man was mauled and killed by an injured bear, trying to take a selfie near the animal and a ten-month-old baby slipped and fell to her death on an escalator while her parents were taking a selfie. Mumbai’s famous Marine Drive has been a site of numerous “selfie deaths”, with people getting swept away by the tide. Two teenagers drowned in the river Tapi while they were trying to take a selfie.
‘No selfie zones’
The research underlines that ‘no selfie zones’ could be a way to decrease selfie casualties and injuries. India identified ‘no selfie zones’ in January 2016. However, the move has not led to any decrease in the reported “selfie deaths”.
Mumbai police have identified 16 ‘no selfie zones’ near beaches and forts in January 2016. However, cases of people drowning have continued to grab headlines. In August 2016, the Union Ministry of Tourism issued an advisory to states to install sign boards warning tourists of the danger of taking selfies in certain areas. In July 2017, Maharashtra police identified 29 “selfie spots” as dangerous. Across states, the police states have initiated awareness campaigns to ensure that people do not put their lives at risk by taking selfies.