Editorial | Don’t risk your life for the sake of a selfie
Despite dangers, far too many people have been injured or even killed in pursuit of the perfect photo to post on social media
Visiting unfamiliar places can be as much an enjoyable experience as it is a risky one. Being unaccustomed to the local environment and safety hazards means travel ventures may turn bad. The latest example involves a Hong Kong woman who was killed by a train while taking photos on the railway tracks in a popular tourist city in Japan.
The 61-year-old was reportedly taking photos of the sea before being hit by the train at Asari station, in the coastal city of Otaru in Hokkaido on Thursday. The woman, who was travelling with her husband, was said to be in an area out of bounds to the public.
She is apparently not the first to have violated local rules on taking pictures at the hotspot. Local television broadcasters quoted residents as saying that tourists often stopped on the tracks to take photos and ignored crossing alarms. “It is an accident waiting to happen,” one resident said.
Tourists may go too far as they hunt for “Instagrammable” moments in the age of social media. Such adventures could end badly, sometimes even at the expense of one’s life.
Last year, two mainland Chinese siblings drowned at Shek O when the brother tried to save his elder sister, who was swept into the sea by a wave while taking photos. The area is frequented by tourists and locals for its scenic views. But its beauty belies the danger, as visitors are often caught off guard by tidal changes and sudden waves.
The trend for tourists to share spectacular photos on social media has fuelled desires to emulate and outdo others. The temptation to impress can be so strong that some even break the law or put their safety at risk just to take a selfie and show off online.
