Taking selfies is now considered a 'public health problem,' requires 'safety messaging,' say researchers
Fox News
A new review has classified selfie-taking as a "public health problem" based on selfie-related incidents in the U.S. and Australia. Dr. Marc Siegel weighed in on the risks.
Referencing data from multiple peer-reviewed studies in both the U.S. and Australia since 2011, the review was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in September of this year. "In the U.S. and Australia, people are getting injured or dying while alone — normally as a result of falling from a cliff." "This involves an emotional cost as well, and is an unhealthy extension of our celebrity culture and social media pressures." "We owe it to young people to mitigate this problem by communicating the risks. It is a public health concern." Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital.
Selfie-related deaths at aquatic locations stood out as the most concerning incidents — including photo-taking at scenic and photogenic areas.