Blogger criticised for leaning out of moving train to get the perfect Instagram shot
From rearranging the table for a blogger-worthy flat lay to changing our shoes before a #OOTD, we’re all guilty of fabricating a seemingly perfect life via our Instagram feed.
But one social media influencer demonstrated her commitment to the ‘gram by risking her life.
Travel bloggers Raquel and Miguel, who go by the username, @exploressaurus_, on social media have come under fire after hanging out of a train in Sri Lanka to capture the perfect shot.
A post shared by RAQUEL & MIGUEL (@explorerssaurus_) on Feb 19, 2019 at 10:08am PST
In the image, Miguel is seen kissing his girlfriend’s forehead while she leans out of the train as it chugs through a small, and highly Instagrammable, town called Ella.
Unsurprisingly, the snap sparked criticism online as followers warned against the dangerous message they could be sending to other social media users.
“Such an irresponsible picture! Shame to see people who will do anything for social media even risk their lives,” one wrote.
Another commented, “Wow…This will inspire more to do this. Dangerous, irresponsible and all in the name of vanity. Be a role model guys… it’s not rocket science.”
The couple later clarified that it was a slow moving train but that doesn’t lessen the risks involved.
“I’m 99% sure it’s not the slow moving train that is the problem,” one Instagram user commented. “It’s the fact that there’s a giant ravine below, one slip of the hand or foot and the couple are both dead. All for a pretty picture…”
A post shared by RAQUEL & MIGUEL (@explorerssaurus_) on Feb 15, 2019 at 5:10am PST
This isn’t the first time an influencer has been called out for risking their lives in the name of the platform.
Spanish blogger Patricia – who goes by the username oneoceanaway_ – was in hot water after posing on the tracks in front of a moving train at Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand.
She later deleted the image and apologised, writing: “I would never risk my life for a photo. Please, don’t do it yourself. Sorry for that!”
Last year, a study found that more than 259 people across the world died taking selfies between 2011 to 2018.
The highest death toll occurred in India followed by Russia, the US and Pakistan.
