August 27, 2025 | 02:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With the increasing popularity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the pressure to take captivating and adventurous selfies is on the rise. The desire for viral content often overshadows basic safety, leading people to take unnecessary and sometimes fatal risks.
According to a study conducted by The Barber Law Firm, there are countries in the world deemed the most dangerous for taking these photos. The risks not only entail injuries, but also death.
The research gathered data from various Google News reports on selfie incidents worldwide from March 2014 to May 2025. It focused on cases where selfie attempts directly resulted in injury or death.
According to the study, the main cause of selfie-related deaths is falling, comprising 46 percent of the total cases. This often occurs from cliffs, rooftops, and tall buildings. Kris Barber, the Founder and lead attorney at The Barber Law Firm, stated that the research highlights an alarming trend where the literal pursuit of social media validation claims lives. The perfect photo is not worth the danger, as reported by The New York Post.
So, how can one take photos safely? Kris Barber added that most of these tragedies could be avoided by taking a few steps back or finding a safer vantage point.
The Most Dangerous Countries for Selfies
India tops the list as the most dangerous country in the world for selfies, accounting for 42.1 percent of all selfie-related incidents globally. The number of victims reached 271, with 214 fatalities and 57 injuries, as reported by The Times of India.
According to the study, the contributing factors include population density and easy access to hazardous locations such as cliffs, rivers, railway tracks, and tourist spots.
The second spot is held by the United States, with 45 million victims, including 37 deaths and 8 injuries. Russia follows in third place with 19 fatalities-18 deaths, and 1 injury.
Pakistan ranks fourth, with 16 deaths and 0 injuries, while Australia completes the top 5 with 13 selfie-related deaths and only two injuries.
Although these numbers are much lower than India's, the concern is alarming, especially in densely populated tourist locations where people are tempted to capture risky moments.
Here is the complete list of the most dangerous countries for selfies:
1. India, 271 impacted individuals
2. United States, 45 impacted individuals
3. Russia, 19 impacted individuals
4. Pakistan, 16 impacted individuals
5. Australia, 15 impacted individuals
6. Indonesia, 14 impacted individuals
7. Kenya, 13 impacted individuals
8. United Kingdom, 13 impacted individuals
9. Spain, 13 impacted individuals
10. Brazil, 13 impacted individuals
Editor's Choice: Which Country Has the Highest Pickpocket Rate in Europe?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Which Country Has the Highest Pickpocket Rate in Europe?
16 jam lalu
Discover the pickpocket rate by country in Europe, revealing hotspots from Italy to Ireland where tourists should stay alert while exploring them.
Father's Day Australia 2025: Date, Traditions & What Makes It Unique
20 jam lalu
Father's Day Australia falls on September 7, 2025, ready to make every dad in the country feel appreciated. Learn everything about it, here.
Countries That Have Experienced Famine
2 hari lalu
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently declared that Gaza has entered a state of famine.
Indonesian Pacu Jalur Festival Leave Dutch Tourists in Awe
4 hari lalu
A tourist from the Netherlands was interested in visiting the Indonesian Pacu Jalur Festival in Kuansing, Riau, as it had gone viral.
Vietnam Welcomes Tourist Visits to Historic Cipher Bunkers
4 hari lalu
This secret bunker played a crucial role for the people of Vietnam during the war against the United States
U.S.: 5 Killed After New York-Bound Tourist Bus Crash
4 hari lalu
The bus rolled over while returning from Niagara Falls. Many of the passengers were Indian, Chinese and Filipino.
South Korea's Jeju Island Launches Crackdown on Tourist Misconduct
4 hari lalu
As tourism surges, concerns rise over increased public disorder in Jeju.
Copenhagen's CopenPay Model Inspires Three European Cities to Reward Tourists
4 hari lalu
Three European cities are inspired by the CopenPay scheme, an award given by the Copenhagen government to tourists who behave well.
Exploring Scotland's Isle of Lewis: Birthplace of U.S. President Trump's Mother
5 hari lalu
Explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Isle of Lewis, birthplace of Mary Anne MacLeod, the mother of U.S. President Donald Trump
Venice Warns Tourists on Strict Rules and Fines
5 hari lalu
Venice is experiencing overtourism, and the city government is taking serious steps to control the situation.
