In the world of social media, we’re always in a battle for the coolest or most interesting pics. The sort of unique image that will go viral and maybe give us our 15 minutes of fame.
This battle is even more fraught if you’re a social media influencer and your income is directly related to how well you can grow your audience.
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This race to get the best, most viral pics has resulted in more risks being taken
A 2018 study found that between 2011 and 2017, there were 259 selfie-related deaths globally.
Many of these are due to the photographer not paying enough attention and falling from whatever height they were trying to showcase.
This is a worrying number
While that number is low compared to the sheer number of selfies taken every day, it’s still a sign of social media going too far.
Which is why one couple is getting pushback for how far they went for a pic.
Travel bloggers often post really cool pictures
Kelly and Kody are travel bloggers who have grown a strong fanbase through their particularly beautiful photography. They share their travels on Instagram under the username Positravelty.
Their images certainly stand out among the crowd
Time is clearly taken to find the perfect angle and lighting for each of their pictures, and there’s probably a fair bit of post-production.
They caption their photos with a focus on the beauty and serenity of travel
“The photo we are sharing today was a gift. It is because we didn’t chase or bother the first turtle we saw while free-diving, that two others joined. They became inquisitive of us, recognizing our respect, therefore allowing for this beautiful and organic moment to be created,” they wrote under one post.
There’s a freedom in their travel that you don’t always feel with others
“When we face the things that encourage a step back, we can then summon the courage to step forward. If we push past our barriers, we find opportunity and freedom in everything,” the two shared.
But one photo has sparked backlash
In the picture that caused backlash, Kelly is suspended over the side of an infinity pool in Bali, with Kody as her only support.
It’s a beautiful image, but raised concerns about the lengths people will go to for a ‘perfect’ pic.
People commented in worry
“Dumbest thing I’ve seen today. Imagine if she fell, all for the sake of a little internet fame,” one comment said.
Others were less concerned for Kelly’s safety specifically, worrying instead about people who might try to copy the photo and get hurt doing it.
Whose responsibility should it be for other’s actions?
user @jecbonney commented: “You know, other people are gonna start dangling themselves from infinity pools and dangerous like this also to get a shot like this. Way to set an example.”
Some people defended the photo
While some were upset, others defended the photo, both for its beauty and the fact that Positravelty shouldn’t worry about copycats.
@lauren_rockel said: “I won’t be dangling off the side of an infinity pool… and as an adult, I can make that decision and be responsible for my actions. People don’t need to live their lives being responsible for other people’s actions. Kody, this shot is awesome. And this “job” fits you way better than being a banker in spring Lake Michigan.”
The couple says that the photo was safer than it appears
The travel influencers told Fox News: “The reality is that we felt safe, stable and confident for two reasons. First and foremost, there is another pool below that we cropped out of the shot for dramatization. Secondly, we thought about this photo for days, considering the angles and potentials.”
Here’s the same pool from another angle
As you can see, there’s a drop, but Kelly would have fallen into another pool. While injury was still possible, it’s unlikely that she would have died.
The influencers have stayed mostly quiet
Besides the interview with Fox News, they’ve stayed pretty quiet about the backlash. Though their most recent post seems to be inspired by it.
“Amidst the negatives and pressings of those that doubt or wish to hinder you, rise up. You know your boundaries and your potential, so be your strongest in these moments, powerful and well-founded,” they wrote.
They believe that it’s important to stay true to their vision
“We are here to make this one life ours, every moment unique, and our story legendary. It is through our perspective and imagination that we create, and through what we create, that we ultimately live,” the travel bloggers added.
