Is this the end of the selfie? Countries are cracking down on the self-indulgent pose. AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere Source: AP
THERE are not many people who haven’t heard of or even taken a selfie. Over one million are shared across social media everyday making up 30 per cent of all photos taken by people aged between 18 and 24. And in 2013 the Oxford Dictionary crowned ‘selfie’ its Word of the Year.
But is all that about to change? Judging by new laws around the world, it may soon be illegal to partake in what has become a symbol of narcissism.
Some of London’s top gig venues have banned selfie sticks, Iran’s footballers have been banned from taking selfies with female fans and a beach in France has cracked down on the ego driven pose.
Ryan Ginns (winner of Big Brother) and Nathan Jolliffe (Celebrity Apprentice) on tour with Contiki. Picture: Contiki. Source: Supplied
So what does this mean for travellers?
Katrina Barry, Managing Director of Contiki Holidays says travellers will have to start developing “selfie sense.”
“I don’t think the selfie’s going away, our customers love selfies. We host the ten best selfies of the week.
“What I think the impact will be is potentially a little more restriction on selfie sticks. To be more mindful and understand the implications of carrying one,” she says.
Contiki has long embraced the selfie craze, they even wrapped one of their European coaches entirely in selfies of its travellers and admits they have some selfie addicts.
Contiki has embraced its selfie addicts in a rather unusual way. Source: Supplied
So why have some countries started placing bans on selfies?
“There are two reasons why the selfie is being banned. Safety and respect for others,” says Barry.
Reports that men in NYC were taking selfies with tigers to use as their Tinder profile obviously causes concerns for safety. And different country customs also play a part, in sacred sites in Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam you’ll be ejected very quickly for taking selfies.
Sam and Lisa from The Bachelor on tour with Contiki. Source: Supplied
So who has banned the selfie?
London, UK
Some of London’s major venues have placed a ban on selfie sticks over fears they could injure other gig-goers and block the view of the stage.
Wembley Arena, the O2 Arena and Brixton Academy will refuse entry to any reveller carrying the “offensive” stick.
Iran
Iran’s footballers have been banned from having selfies with female fans who have turned up en masse at the recent Asian Cup.
In Iran women are banned from attending men’s sports events and the head of the moral committee of the Iranian Football Federation has issued a warning to players that they could face punishment. The fear is that they will be used as a political tool if photos of them with women are circulated.
Iran’s female fans have been causing them trouble. AFP/Peter PARKS Source: AFP
South Korea
South Korea has placed a ban on selfie sticks — but only on unauthorised brands. The government has said that the signals from unlicensed sticks were causing other electronics to malfunction.
According to the Wireless Telegraphy Act, it is now a violation to sell, manufacture or import communication devices without authentication, with violators facing either a fine of up to $30,000 or a maximum prison sentence of three years.
South Koreans are only allowed to use government authorised sticks. Picture: Valeriu campan Source: News Corp Australia
Garoupe, France
One beach in the south of France is so intent on retaining its exclusivity its established a “No Braggies Zone.”
Garoupe claims selfies, which it has termed “braggies” are ruining its beachgoing experience and want people to enjoy the pristine surroundings instead of spending their time bragging to friends back home.
Garoupe has partnered with mobile network Three to create an anti-holiday spam area that is patrolled by the Holiday Spam Police.
The exclusive Garoupe is not a “braggie zone”. Picture: Theo K. Source: Flickr
Lake Tahoe, California
Staff at Lake Tahoe are so worried about a recent trend of taking photos with bears they’ve slapped a ban on the practice.
A spokesperson for the park said that people turning their backs to bears to take a selfie was “presenting a safety issue”.
Hajj, Mecca
The Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca has come under scrutiny from several prominent clerics and scholars who are unhappy with the younger generations’ use of social media.
They have asked people to stop posting selfies of their pilgrimage including visiting holy sites, saying that they go against the Islamic principles of modesty.
Thousands attend the annual pilgrimage to Mecca but they want it to stay photo free. AP Photo/Khalil Hamra. Source: AP
Pamplona, Running of the Bulls
For obvious safety reasons, authorities in Spain have banned selfies during the infamous Running with Bulls in Pamplona. Last year a man was fined $4500 for taking a selfie as he ran through the streets in what was termed the most dangerous selfie of all time.
New York
New York became the first state to ban people taking photos of themselves with dangerous animals.
Although the politician who sponsored the bill claims that social media wasn’t the only motivation behind the law, a growing trend of “tiger selfies” on social media did play a major role. Now, people caught violating the law face $500-$1,000 fines.
Australian Open Tennis
The Aussie Open has become the first grand slam to crack down on selfie sticks saying they could prove a distraction to players and inhibit spectator views.
However they have established special “selfie zones” around the venue for those desperate for a snap.
Tennis fans will have to visit a “selfie zone” if they want the ultimate pic. Source: News Corp Australia
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