① Risking It All for the Perfect Shot
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. People worldwide share their daily routines and inquire about each other’s well-being. While there are many benefits to engaging in social media activity, there are also numerous negative consequences. Some individuals go to great lengths to capture attention and garner “likes” on their posts. They even put themselves in harm’s way.
A research team at California State University explained why people voluntarily engage in risky behavior for online visibility, drawing from concepts like the sensation-seeking theory and risk sensitivity theory. Pursuing more likes and engagement is often perceived as a remedy for “social pleasure” deficiency. In social media, people are willing to take risks. They even risked their lives to capture impressive photos and gain this social pleasure.
In 2021, an Instagram influencer in Hong Kong tragically fell to her death while attempting to take a selfie at a waterfall. Sophia Cheung, a well-known Instagram influencer in Hong Kong, was renowned for her thrill-seeking photos. She embarked on a hike to Pineapple Mountain, also known as the “Grand Canyon” of Hong Kong. The place is famous for its edge-of-the-cliff photo opportunities. While attempting to take a selfie at the waterfall, she lost her footing and fell 4.8 meters onto the cliff below. Her friends immediately called for help, and a helicopter was dispatched to transport her to the hospital, but she tragically passed away before reaching medical care. Her fans expressed their condolences on social media, mourning her untimely death.
② Capturing Selfies at Risky Locations
India witnessed a trend of train-track selfies leading to deadly accidents. One man in India continued to pose for a selfie while a train approached, despite warnings and the blaring train horn. He narrowly survived but sustained head injuries. Unfortunately, others haven’t been as fortunate. In New Delhi, two teenagers managed to dodge an approaching train but were struck and killed by another oncoming train. In another instance, three teenagers in Karnataka state lay on the railway track for a selfie and tragically lost their lives. Such incidents prompted the Indian Railway Minister to urge people to use mobile phones wisely and safely.
In Western Maharashtra, India, five women lost their balance while attempting to take photos near a waterfall and fell into the water. Four of them drowned, and one remained in critical condition. This highlights the dangers of risking one’s life for the sake of a photo.
An Indian couple made headlines when they dropped their 10-month-old baby while taking a selfie on an escalator in a shopping mall. Tragically, the baby lost its life in this accident.
From perilous cliff edges to encounters with dangerous animals, people risk their lives globally for the perfect photo.
③ Contemplating Access Restrictions to Jeju Island’s Iconic Photo Spots
In South Korea, there have been discussions about implementing access restrictions at famous tourist destinations due to the pursuit of dangerous selfies. One such place is a cliffside location in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, which has become recognized as a selfie hotspot. Accessing this spot requires crossing private farmland, and the path to the cliffside is already marked with restricted access signs.
Despite these warnings, photos taken at this location continue to surface on social media platforms. This picturesque spot, known for its 3-4 meter-deep tidal pool called “Gomangmul-tong,” is indeed beautiful. However, it poses a significant risk as it is directly adjacent to the sea, making entry difficult during rough seas and potentially causing life-threatening situations due to strong waves.
The local maritime police have initiated safety checks, recognizing that rescue operations might be challenging in the event of an accident. They are considering designating this location as a restricted access area to prevent further dangerous incidents.
The pursuit of the perfect selfie can sometimes lead people to take life-threatening risks. From capturing photos on dangerous train tracks to seeking adrenaline-pumping shots on cliff edges, it’s essential to prioritize safety and make responsible choices when engaging in social media trends. Authorities and communities are increasingly considering access restrictions to protect individuals from harm at these iconic but perilous photo spots.
By. Seo Seong-Min (fv_editor@fastviewkorea.com)
Most Commented