The Oxford Dictionary informally defines selfie as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media." Selfies became popular in consonance with the update of social media and its various platforms, and with the control they give self-photographers over how they present themselves. Most of this self-presentation via selfies is intended to present a flattering image of the person, especially to the people around him. However, a recent death of a 19 year old man due to selfie seems to cloud the primary intention of a selfie.
CCN reported that a 19 year old accidentally killed himself last Tuesday while in the process of taking a selfie with a gun. According to reports, Deleon Alonso Smith, was killed due to a gun shot in the throat. And family members were shocked about the incident. The grandmother of Smith was quoted expressing her sadness as she said that;
"It's a numb feeling. It's still unbelievable. Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and then to hear this kind of news."
Police are still investigating the case but evidences strongly indicate that the shooting is a result of an accident. And to note this is not the first time that an accident or even death resulted from taking a selfie. For just for months ago similar incident was also reported by independent about a 21-year-old Russian who was in a "serious condition" after accidentally pressing the trigger while posing for a selfie with a gun believed to have been left behind by a security guard.
Selfie in itself is not bad at all. It is a form of self-expression, but like every expressions certain limitations should always be observed. For if overly perpetuated it may hurt you or your loved one in the process. The incidents of death resulting from selfies are proof enough of what is being stated. Even a 2013 study entitled "Tagger's delight? Disclosure and liking in Facebook: The effects of sharing photographs amongst multiple known social circles" also suggests that "those who frequently post photographs on Facebook risk damaging real-life relationships. This is because people, other than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves."
