The escalating trend of Gen Z individuals performing dangerous stunts for social media attention is a growing concern, as the quest for digital fame leads to life-threatening actions. The consequences are evident in the rising number of accidents, some resulting in fatalities. This phenomenon demands immediate attention from both medical professionals and governmental agencies.
Young people are driven by the desire for likes, shares, and viral fame, which motivates them to engage in risky behavior in public spaces. This behavior includes performing stunts on roads and near railways. Experts are exploring the psychological aspects of this trend, and discussing the addictive nature of social media validation. The lack of real-life connections is fueling a deeper involvement in the digital world.
Dr. Pavitra Shankar suggests the need to distinguish when this behavior becomes a disorder. Dr. Rohit Baluja emphasizes the impact of the weak enforcement of laws. The urgency for public safety campaigns, stringent traffic law enforcement, and monitoring of dangerous content on social media is critical to prevent further tragedies.