According to data released in a 2018 study titled ‘Selfies: A Boon or Bane?’ by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a whopping 50% of the 259 selfie-related deaths and accidents reported between 2011 and 2017 took place in India. Christened ‘killfies’, selfies at dangerous locations generally result in fatalities and accidents. Reported accidents include drowning, falling from heights, and being hit by a car or train.
In an effort to prevent these mishaps, the Indian government has created many no-selfie zones across the country. More than 15 of these no-selfie zones are located in the city that never sleeps, Mumbai.
The very first selfie to ever be taken in the world can be attributed to chemist and amateur photographer, Robert Cornelius who snapped one in 1839 at Philadelphia, US. Now a global phenomenon, selfies have caused hundreds of deaths in the world.
Countries like the US, Spain, Netherlands, and Russia have also demarcated no-selfie zones. Russia launched the Safe Selfie campaign to generate awareness about the dangers of attempting to take selfies at certain locations. The campaign slogan states, ‘Even a million likes on social media are not worth your life and well-being.’
In India, apps like Saftie and social media campaigns like SelfieToDieFor are working towards creating awareness about taking selfies in a responsible way.
• In 2017, a man was killed at Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Park while trying to take selfies with elephants.
• A man and a child were electrocuted atop a moving train while trying to take selfies.
• A train mowed down three selfie-enthusiasts in Karnataka.
• A couple of teenagers fell into the Tapi River and drowned while trying to get that perfect click.
• In 2019, three teenage girls fell into the water off Bandra Fort while taking selfies. A passer-by jumped in to save them and managed to save two of the girls. The other girl is presumed dead, and in a sad turn of events, the Good Samaritan also lost his life.
These are just a few of the many cases of selfie-related deaths in India. The Maharashtra State Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Mumbai Police have launched awareness programs and marked no-selfie zones in the city.
Here is a partial list of selfie-free zones in Mumbai:
• Rocks at Bandstand, Bandstand
• Rocks behind the Otters Club at Carter Road, Bandra
• Sunset point at Mahim Fort
• Powai Lake Dam
• Sion Fort
• Worli Fort
• Girgaum Chowpatty Beach
• Promenade of Marine Drive
• Sassoon Docks
Most of these locales are near water bodies and forts. More than 29 spots have been marked as dangerous spots for taking selfies across Maharashtra. The awareness campaigns include the use of slogans, increased patrols around these spots, and periodic loudspeaker announcements to educate people.
While there are many productive ways to use social media, most people only use it to derive validation. In the hopes of getting that perfect selfie with waves breaking at your back or an endless horizon behind you, many people play with their safety and end up hurting themselves or even losing their lives.
Selfies, however ‘cool’ they may look, are not worth a human life. This is a trend that requires discourse and attention so it can be stopped in its tracks before it does any more damage.
Share
Tweet
