Assumed to be a child-friendly, non-violent activity involving no weapons, taking selfies is now regarded as a possibly fatal hobby following this year's 12th selfie-related death, which occurred on Sept. 21. Selfies have killed more people than sharks.
While sharks have long been feared as monsters of the deep whose mere presence makes the sea perilous, these gigantic creatures have only caused eight fatalities since the start of 2015.
Selfies on the other hand, have been more alarming and, in fact, more violent than previously thought.
On Sept. 21, a Japanese tourist died after falling down a staircase at the Royal Gate of Taj Mahal while attempting to take a selfie. Hideto Ueda, 66, was rushed in an ambulance to the hospital but could not be revived. The doctors say the victim suffered from heart attack.
In the same month, a 19-year-old father of two was fatally wounded after trying to take a selfie while holding a gun.
Selfies are now more fatal than the most feared animals. In the United States, only one person is killed by an alligator and a bear in a year. Six meet their death from venomous snakes and lizards, while seven die from spiders.
Four selfie deaths this year were caused by falling. Such is the case of Ueda, according to reports.
The second leading cause of selfie deaths involves trains. Some were hit by trains while taking a picture, while some intended to take a snap with the vehicle.
Some parks have reported tourists who insisted on taking pictures with bears and at bull runs. Even Tour de France cyclists are concerned about selfie danger. Many landmarks have begun banning selfie sticks.
In July, the Russian Interior Ministry released a brochure to create awareness on the dangers of taking a selfie.
"Before taking a selfie, everyone should think about the fact that racing after a high number of likes could lead him on a journey to death," an aide to Russia's interior minister told Al Jazeera.
