Researchers: Selfie Photos Cause Deaths and Injuries, Considered a ‘Public Health Problem’
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) conducted a study that revealed cliff falls are the most common cause of selfie-related deaths in aquatic locations in Australia and the United States.
The researchers concluded that selfie-related incidents are not just a social trend but a public health concern. They found that women and girls were more likely to be impacted by these incidents, with the mean age of the victims being 23.5 according to literature review, and 22.1 according to media report analysis.
The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Medical and Internet Research, and the authors emphasized the need for public health strategies to communicate the dangers of taking selfies, especially when alone. They suggested specific strategies for land management organizations and tourist-rich countries like Australia and the United States to prevent selfie-related injuries and deaths. The study also highlighted specific incidents where individuals suffered tragic consequences while taking a selfie, including accidental falls from cliffs.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that accidental falls have more than doubled in the last decade, making it the leading external cause of death in the country and the 11th leading cause of death overall.
