Selfie-related injuries and deaths in tourist hotspots have become such a big risk that they should be seen as a “public health problem”, the researchers suggest.
Of particular concern are selfie-related deaths in scenic aquatic locations, such as waterfalls, according to a study by the University of New South Wales, Australia.
Part of the study examines how selfie-related injuries and deaths are reported in the media.
Four peer-reviewed studies identified falling from a height, such as a cliff or waterfall, as the most common event.
Drowning is the second most common cause of death.
People often climb over barriers and fenced areas to get to the perfect selfie spot, the report said.
Falling from a height was found to be the most common selfie-related death. Adobe stock
The average age of the victims was about 22 years old, most of them were female tourists.
“The phenomenon of selfie-related incidents should be seen as a public health problem that requires a public health risk communication response,” the report concluded.
“To date, little attention has been paid to preventing selfie-related incidents through behavior change methodologies or direct messaging to users, including through social media applications.”
Previous research recommends “no selfie zones”, barriers and signs as ways to prevent selfie-related injuries and deaths.
“Our results suggest this may not be sufficient and it may be prudent to also engage in safety messaging directly to social media users,” the report said.
“Media reporting on selfie incidents should focus on prevention messaging rather than blame or warning.”
Fernanda Morella died while taking a sunset selfie in Australia in 2021. Fernanda Morella /Facebook
The recent death of the selfie
Brazilian woman Fernanda Morella was celebrating her 33rd birthday when she died while taking a sunset selfie on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point by the Brisbane River in July 2021.
British tourist Madalyn Davis, 21, died from a cliff at Diamond Bay Reserve, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, in January 2020.
Rosy Loomba, 38, was taking pictures at Boroka Lookout – nicknamed “selfie rock” – in Victoria’s Grampians National Park when she died in December 2020.
Ms Loomba and her husband had taken pictures after climbing the fence, and other people were also there queuing up to take pictures.
An inquest into his death led Deputy State Coroner Jacqui Hawkins to recommend additional warning signs be installed at lookouts.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
