In the age of Instagram and TikTok, a "do it for the feed" mentality has pushed people into increasingly risky situations. But a new study from The Barber Law Firm shows just how deadly the hunt for the perfect selfie has become—and which countries are the most dangerous places to snap one.
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India tops the list, accounting for a staggering 42-percent of all selfie-related incidents worldwide between March 2014 and May 2025. Out of 271 reported casualties, 214 were deaths. From cliffs and rivers to train tracks and wildlife reserves, the hazards are everywhere. Earlier this year, six cousins drowned in the Godavari River while taking group selfies in deep water. In Maharashtra, a man was struck by a train while posing on the tracks. And in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve, a tourist was killed after trying to photograph himself near a wild elephant.
Researchers link India’s high numbers to its dense population, the easy accessibility of risky environments and a booming social media culture where daring posts grab instant attention.
The United States came in a distant second, with 45 total casualties (37 deaths, 8 injuries). Russia followed with 19, Pakistan with 16 and Australia with 13. While far below India’s tally, these numbers highlight a global trend: tourists and thrill-seekers alike putting themselves in harm’s way for likes.
As for how people are dying, falls are by far the biggest culprit, making up nearly half of all selfie-related fatalities. From rooftops to cliff edges, one wrong step has proven fatal time and again.
Experts warn that the pressure to capture extreme content—fueled by viral TikTok trends and Instagram clout—often trumps common sense. It’s a sobering reminder that the perfect shot isn’t worth your life.
The top 10 most dangerous countries for taking selfies
1. India (271 incidents)
2. United States (45 incidents)
3. Russia (19 incidents)
4. Pakistan (16 incidents)
5. Australia (15 incidents)
6. Indonesia (14 incidents)
7. Kenya (13 incidents)
8. United Kingdom (13 incidents)
9. Spain (13 incidents)
10. Brazil (13 incidents)