More than 250 people have died trying to take selfies in six years, according to a study

A study by researchers at the National Library of Medicine in the United States has revealed an impressive number of selfie deaths worldwide. Based on a review of news stories from 2011 to 2017, researchers determined that more than 250 people died trying to take a picture of themselves, many in risky situations.

Researchers writing in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care found that at least 259 people died in 137 self-related incidents worldwide during this six-year period. They argue that the actual figures could be much higher, as the authorities do not consider selfies as a real cause of death.

"It is thought that selfie deaths are underreported and that the real problem needs to be resolved," said the study.

Based on the statistics, the authors of the study recommend to install "no selfies" zones in tourist areas, such as water bodies, mountain tops and high-rise buildings, in order to reduce the risk of death by selfie. Drowning, transportation accidents and falls have been among the leading causes of death for self-employed applicants.

In June, tourists fallen to death while apparently trying to take a selfie from a cliff overlooking a popular beach in Portugal. In September, an Israeli teenager visiting Yosemite National Park in California lost his life while he was trying to take a selfie near the summit of an iconic waterfall. These deaths were not included in the study, but highlight the risks of making a potentially dangerous selfie.

The other causes of selfie deaths listed in the study involved activities with firearms, animals, fire, and electrocution. Gun deaths were higher in the United States than in any other country, which researchers say may be due to less restrictive firearms laws.

Men accounted for about three-quarters of self-reported deaths in the study. The researchers noted that women can take more selfies, but that men are more likely to take risks to succeed.

According to the study, the highest number of deaths and fatal selfies was recorded among age groups 10-19 years and 20-29 years, with the median age being 23 years old. This number decreased as the age increased.

The vast majority of deaths in the study occurred in India, where 159 people died. Sixteen occurred in Russia and 14 in the United States. Researchers believe that India's high rate may be due to the large number of young people under 30 in the country, the age group with the highest number of independence-related deaths.

The researchers said the actual number of self-related deaths is probably much higher.

"Some road accidents with poses for selfies are reported as deaths due to a road accident," wrote researchers. "Thus, the actual magnitude of the problem is underestimated, so it is important to assess the burden, causes and reasons for selfie deaths so that appropriate interventions can be performed."