India is world's deadliest country for selfies, says study; Here's why

New Delhi: India now holds the unfortunate distinction of being the world's deadliest country for selfies, according to a new study by Arkansas, US-based Barber Law Firm.

India accounts for a staggering 42.1% of global selfie-related incidents. The country has recorded a total of 271 selfie-related casualties. This includes 214 deaths and 57 injuries.

The United States has the second-highest number of selfie-related accidents, with 45 incidents (37 deaths and 8 injuries). It's followed by Russia, which recorded 19 accidents (18 deaths and 1 injury). Pakistan is fourth with 16 deaths, and Australia is fifth with 15 incidents (13 deaths and 2 injuries).

The rest of the top 10 list includes Indonesia (14 incidents), Kenya (13 incidents),

Britain (13 incidents), Spain (13 incidents), and Brazil (13 incidents). Several factors contribute to India's high casualty rate from selfies:

Hazardous Locations

* Railway tracks are frequently chosen for risky selfies, leading to incidents where people are run over by approaching trains.

* Cliffs and dangerous coastal edges are common sites for accidents, with people falling while trying to capture the perfect shot.

* Riverbanks and other water bodies are particularly perilous, with drowning being a top reason for selfie deaths. Incidents include being washed away by waves or boats capsizing.

* High-rise structures, rooftops, and tall buildings also serve as dangerous backdrops for selfies.

* Crowded tourist hotspots can also be dangerous environments for selfie-takers.

Contributing Factors and Behaviour

* Obsession and risky behaviour are key drivers, as individuals are driven by a desire to "be one-up on other social media users" and click the "perfect selfie," leading them to take risks that can cost their lives. The pursuit of social media validation pushes people to "reckless extremes".

* Falling is the most common cause of selfie fatalities globally, accounting for approximately 46% of all incidents. This often occurs from significant heights like mountains, towers, or coastal cliffs.

* India's dense population and widespread social media use contribute to the high numbers, combined with easy access to hazardous locations. A large young population (age ≤ 30 years), which is the demographic most affected by selfie-related deaths, also plays a role in India's high casualty rate.

Preventive Measures

* In response to rising deaths, some Indian states have implemented 'no-selfie zones' at popular tourist attractions.

* Police personnel have been stationed at various selfie points in Mumbai to ensure safety and warn people against extreme stunts.

* Experts emphasize the need for individuals to prioritize safety over likes and shares and to avoid risky spots. They urge people to consider safer alternatives to capture moments without endangering their lives.