Killer clicks: A retrospective 8-year media-based analysis of demographic and circumstantial determinants of selfie-related fatalities in India (2014–2021)
Sunil Subramanyam, Joshima Janardhanan, P. Rajaram, Varun KrishnaAbstract
Background:
The widespread availability of smartphones and social media platforms has led to a rapid increase in selfie-taking behavior worldwide. While selfies serve as a means of self-expression and social interaction, attempts to capture images in hazardous environments have resulted in a growing number of accidental deaths. India reports the highest number of selfie-related fatalities globally, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of these incidents.
Objectives:
(1) To analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and causes of death associated with selfie-related fatalities in India. (2) To assess the geographical distribution and environmental circumstances of these incidents.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using publicly available English-language media reports of selfie-related fatalities in India from January 2014 to December 2021. Data on demographics, geographic distribution, environmental settings, and mechanisms of death were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 151 deaths across 81 incidents were identified. Most victims were aged 21–30 years (51.7%), followed by those below 20 years (37.7%). A strong male predominance (84.1%) was observed. Water bodies were the most common setting (57%), with drowning as the leading cause. Railway-related incidents accounted for 18% of fatalities, followed by falls from height and electrocution. In addition, 29 incidents involved bystanders, resulting in 70 deaths.
Conclusion:
Selfie-related fatalities are a preventable public health concern, predominantly affecting young males in high-risk environments. Public awareness and implementation of “no-selfie zones” may help reduce such deaths.