In the age of reels and viral trends, the quest for the perfect selfie can come at a deadly cost. A study by The Barber Law Firm has revealed that India is the most dangerous country in the world for taking selfies, accounting for an astonishing 42.1% of all global selfie-related casualties.
Between March 2014 and May 2025, India recorded 271 casualties linked to selfies, including 214 deaths and 57 injuries. The New York Post report attributes this high toll to the country’s vast population, widespread social media use, and easy access to hazardous spots such as cliffs, rooftops, train tracks and high-rise buildings.
The study found that falling from heights was the most common cause of selfie fatalities, representing nearly half of all incidents worldwide. Dangerous locations, from mountain ledges to rooftops and railway lines, were particularly prone to fatal accidents.
Experts caution that the obsession with capturing risky shots for social media validation can push people into reckless behaviour. As Kris Barber, Founder and Principal Attorney of The Barber Law Firm, noted, “Our research highlights a troubling trend where the pursuit of social media validation is literally costing lives. The perfect photo simply isn’t worth the danger.”
Other countries on the list
While India tops the list by a wide margin, several other countries also reported worrying numbers. The United States ranked second with 45 casualties (37 deaths and 8 injuries), followed by Russia with 19, Pakistan with 16, and Australia with 15. Other countries in the top 10 include Indonesia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Brazil.
Though far below India’s figures, these statistics still highlight a global trend, particularly in tourist-heavy destinations where visitors seek dramatic shots.
Attempts at prevention
In response to rising deaths, some Indian states have introduced designated “no-selfie zones” at popular tourist attractions. Authorities hope these measures will curb unnecessary risks and prevent tragedies.