On November 18, 2024, at approximately 12:30 AM, 24-year-old Brazilian influencer Amanda dos Santos Barbosa tragically lost her life while filming a selfie video through the sunroof of a moving vehicle in the Bancários neighborhood of João Pessoa, Brazil.
As the car braked suddenly, she lost her balance and fell onto the road, where she was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Emergency services responded promptly, but Barbosa died from her injuries at the scene.
The Civil Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to her death, requesting additional statements from Barbosa’s friends who were present to align their accounts.
This type of tragic and highly preventable event is not isolated. In October 2024, 24-year-old Arina Glazunova from Moscow died while filming a TikTok video in Tbilisi, Georgia. She was dancing and walking backward near a subway entrance when she fell into an underground passage, sustaining fatal head injuries.
In August 2024, 49-year-old Italian tourist Giancarlo Zicari fell to his death while taking a selfie with his girlfriend at Bali’s Gajah Mas waterfalls. The iron railing they were leaning on collapsed, causing them to plunge over 80 feet.
A study by the iO Foundation reported that from January 2008 to July 2021, there were 379 selfie-related deaths worldwide. According to a 2023 report, India has the highest number of selfie-related deaths, followed by Russia and the United States.
The pursuit of social media leads individuals to engage in perilous behaviors to capture dramatic images. This thrill-seeking behavior, especially among young adults, contributes to this trend, as they find excitement in pushing boundaries without fully considering the potential consequences.
Authorities in various countries have initiated campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of risky selfies. For instance, the Russian Ministry of the Interior released a “Selfie Safety Guide” in 2015 to warn enthusiasts about common dangerous behaviors.
Certain tourist spots have designated no-selfie zones to prevent accidents, especially in areas with high risks, such as cliffs or waterfalls.
The tragic death of Amanda dos Santos Barbosa underscores the urgent need for increased awareness about the dangers of risky selfies. As social media continues to influence behavior, it is imperative to prioritize safety over the pursuit of online validation. Individuals are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and make responsible choices to prevent preventable tragedies.
