If 2014 was the year of the selfie, 2015 could be called the year of health and selfies.
The above sentence points to a growing and serious problem – people are literally dying to take a picture of themselves.
In Russia this year there have been a number of selfie-related deaths, including the death of two men in the Ural Mountains who took a photo while pulling the safety off a grenade.
And, in June, a university graduate died after trying to take a selfiewhile hanging from a bridge in Moscow.
More recently, a 17-year-old boy lost his life when he fell from a rooftop while trying to take a selfie for his Instagram page.
Previously, he had taken a series of similar photos of himself on high rooftops in the city of Vologda.
The problem is not limited to Russia. In the US, a man recently died after shooting himself in the neck while taking a selfie.
At least 12 people have died this year while taking selfies, making the practice deadlier than shark attacks, which were only eight in 2015.
In August, officials at Waterton Canyon in Colorado were forced to close the park after they found that many people were getting close enough to the wild animals to take selfies.
Also, in Yellowstone National Park, officials warned visitors about 5 different selfie incidents, where buffalo gored the people taking the photos.
Incidents are increasing and many governments have launched awareness campaigns.
But the question is: Why are some people willing to risk their lives to take a selfie?
For 15 minutes of fame! According to a professional photographer, Mr Thompson, who admits to taking a selfie on top of the Jesus statue in Rio de Janeiro to advertise his travel company, Flashpack. However, in order to do so, he got special permission to climb the statue.
What he suggests is to be creative with your photos, but not put yourself at risk.
