17% Aussies have been busted taking ‘inappropriate’ selfies

A man takes a selfie on a cliff in the backcountry

Just yesterday, we wrote about a campaign that encourages travellers to ditch the selfie and actually enjoy the travel experience.

And today, new stats show selfie taking is almost synonymous with travel for many, but is it something we really should be doing, not just for our self-esteem, but for our safety?

Safety should always be put before scoring an epic selfie shot, but the scale of #selfiefails that are occurring, suggests travellers are not taking their safety seriously.

According to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), the pursuit for the perfect daredevil picture is costing Aussies up to $200,000.

SCTI’s research also found travellers have become so obsessed with documenting their holiday escapades, 12% admit they would ditch a destination if they couldn’t selfie.

“Selfies have become a huge part of culture and when it comes to overseas holidays, Aussies are hot competition,” CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Chris White, said.

“Unfortunately for some, selfies are landing them in hot water, from offending locals to hefty medical bills – just about anything can happen if you’re not selfie smart.”

Some of the shocking Aussie Holiday selfie habits that have been found include taking a snap while walking through traffic, next to train tracks and while riding scooters, tuk tuks and rickshaws. And that’s just the half of it.

Research also found people were taking photos while:

Mid workout
Getting up close and personal with local wildlife
Embarking on adrenalin pumping activities, including bungy jumping and sky diving
Hiking and climbing mountains
Posing with weapons
Getting ‘inked’ up with a new tattoo

With many going to extreme lengths for the most insta-worthy picture, travellers are being left reeling when selfies go awry.

From cuts, bruises, broken bones, hospital visits and hefty fines, common mishaps include lost valuables and broken phones (both 18 per cent) while 17 per cent were left red-faced caught doing something they shouldn’t be.

Road accidents, vertigo, dangerous animal encounters and missed flights also made the list. Mishaps were most common in men (14 per cent) and travellers under 30.

Inappropriate selfies landed 17 per cent of Aussies on the wrong side of the locals, with nine per cent also being arrested.

With National Selfie Day coming up on the 21 of June, travellers should be aware of how their endevour for a selfie can be dangerous and irresponsible.

“This National Selfie Day we want to remind travellers with a penchant for selfies to think about the repercussions of their selfie situation,” White added.

“Knowing how your travel insurance policy covers you is key to avoiding any unexpected mishaps.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

National Selfie Day research selfies Southern Cross Travel Insurance travel research travel selfies