[ad_1]
(Shutterstock)
According to a new report, the number of people killed taking selfies in dangerous places is increasing.
An average of 43 people per year have died taking selfies since 2011, with drownings and falls among the deadliest.
The study shows that men are responsible for seven out of ten deaths, while the millennial daredevils – those aged 20-29 – account for nearly half of all self-reported deaths.
Scientists suggest that "no selfie" zones be established around the world to reduce the epidemic of accidental deaths.
A number of popular tourist spots in India have already implemented selfie bans this year following a string of recent deaths.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Agam Bansal, of the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, said: "The selfies are not harmful per se, but the human behavior that accompanies them is dangerous.
"People need to be aware of certain risky behaviors and risky places where selfies should not be taken.
"No Selfie Zone" must be declared in many areas, especially near water plans, mountain tops and tall buildings, to reduce the number of selfie related deaths. "
The researchers made the largest assessment of deaths caused by the photography poses taken in the fall.
They analyzed newspaper clippings from English-speaking countries around the world, noting the gender, age, and cause of death of each victim.
In total, the team recorded some 259 self-related deaths worldwide between October 2011 and November 2017.
The most common causes of death are drowning (70), collisions with a vehicle (51) or a fall (48).
In the meantime, eight animals were involved, 16 electrocutions and 11 firearms.
Men were more likely than women to die taking a selfie – 73% of the victims being men.
And while researchers, writing in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, recognize that selfies are an important form of self-expression, they say that deaths increase exponentially.
Dr. Bansal added, "Although our study has recorded the highest number of deaths and incidents of selfies so far, it is only the visible part of the iceberg. Many cases are not reported.
Nearly half of selfie deaths occurred in the age group of 20 to 29 years, followed by 36% of deaths in the age group of 10 to 19 years.
The largest number of deaths was reported in India – the state of Goa having introduced official "no selfie" zones in June this year – followed by Russia, the United States and Pakistan.
The research team called for better reporting of incidents related to "selfies".
They said, "Selfies are never reported as the official cause of death.
"It is believed that selfie deaths are underreported and that the real problem needs to be resolved."
Last June, 37-year-old Briton Louise Benson and 33-year-old partner Michael Kearns dropped 30 meters after falling off a beach wall in Ericeira, Portugal.
The study was also greeted by a leading British surgeon.
Christopher Inglefield, Medical Director of the London Bridge Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, said, "This research reinforces the huge growth of selfie culture over the last decade.
"And although we should never criticize those who take pictures safely, the trend raises important questions.
"My message would be to love you, not your selfie."
This article has been adapted from its original source.
[ad_2]
Source link
