Risking lives for shooting reels or even embracing death has become a daily occurrence. Every day, videos and pictures emerge showing people attempting dangerous stunts while recording reels, often leading to fatalities. Youths, in particular, are ready to go to any lengths to create content.
Recently, Instagram had decided to launch a separate platform for kids in the USA but had to delay it following government orders. Reports indicate that Instagram might have a dangerous impact on children. The Wall Street Journal published a survey targeting 13% of British and 6% of American teenagers.
The report shows that one in three girls using Instagram faces body image issues. Although Instagram stated that the sample size of the survey was small, they are reviewing the concerns raised. According to the report, Indians spend an average of 40 minutes daily on reels. The current market size of the reel industry in India is around INR 45,000 crores. By 2030, it's expected to hit INR 100,000 crores; from 2019 to 2023, the industry grew by 32%.
Let's dive into some life-threatening reel incidents...
1. Elderly Man Seen Performing Stunts on a Train
Source: aajtak
The picture above is from a video where an elderly man was seen performing stunts on a train. This video was shared on social media by a user named KK Nehra on X (formerly Twitter), quoting an old village saying about taking risks when doom is near. Users criticized the stunt, advising against such dangerous acts. Though the video's location is unclear, it’s evident that performing such hazardous stunts on a train door is reckless, especially for an elderly person. This has left many astonished, given that maturity should keep one from making such foolhardy decisions.
2. Lying Lifeless in the Middle of the Road
Source: aajtak
This photo is from Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh. Here, a young man lies lifeless in the middle of the road, with a garland around his neck and a shroud on his body, imitating a corpse. Just as people begin to process this bizarre scene, he suddenly jumps up and laughs, reveling in having fooled the passersby. Obviously, the goal was to create a reel that would garner likes and comments on social media.
The truth is, his bizarre antics do attract momentary attention. However, this obsession with reels crossing all limits can cause more harm to the individuals engaging in such acts. When the Kasganj police learned about this reel, they arrested the boy, Mukesh Kumar, for pretending to be dead on the road.
3. Boys Dressed as Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’
Source: aajtak
In another incident, boys seen in the photo end up in a police station, but not before causing a ruckus. They too suffered from the reel-making mania that has plagued many youngsters. Dressed as characters from Shah Rukh Khan's movie 'Jawan,' they wandered the streets with makeup, causing alarm. This incident happened in Bulandshahr, UP. Residents alerted the police, who promptly detained the boys for this public stunt.
4. Dangling Outside an SUV with Tape
Source: aajtak
One particularly bizarre reel shows a person hanging outside an SUV using plastic tape. The only motive here seems to be attracting attention through a risky stunt. Just imagine, if the car passes over a pothole or takes a sharp turn, the person could be severely harmed as the space between him and the ground is minimal. Plus, the plastic tape can give way anytime, putting his life in great danger. Popular on Instagram by Sumit Cool Dubey, this reel went viral a few days ago.
5. Girl Falls into Gorge While Making a Reel
Source: aajtak
This photo is from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Here, a girl standing near a gorge danced to a romantic song. As she twirled and leaped, her foot slipped, and she fell into the gorge. Amidst shouts, the camera continued to roll, capturing her fall. Fortunately, she survived with injuries but gained wisdom from the experience.
