Selfie deaths on the rise as 43 have died every year since 2011

Social media and smartphones have made selfies the norm for almost every social interaction from eating out to travelling. But while people try sharing moments with the world, some tend to go too far to make theirs look spectacular and this at times can be fatal.

A new study has raised concerns with the findings showing that around 43 people have died while taking selfies ever year since 2011. Drowning and falls have been the most common reasons for selfie deaths as seven in ten victims were found to be men.

Millennial daredevils accounted for almost half of all deaths caused by the killer selfie obsession. Scientists recommend no selfie zones, like those established in tourist spots in India, as a possible way to prevent such accidents.

The study’s lead author said that selfies are not dangerous but the human behaviour that comes with them is. Several incidents of young people getting electrocuted, drowning or falling down from heights while trying to click risky selfies have been reported in the past few years.