In the era of “likes” and in the face of the great external validation “necessary” to feel approved, everything seems to indicate that life does not matter as long as you risk it for a like. Such was the case of dos Influencers who died drowned in Brazil.
According to Brazilian media, two influencers drowned when the yacht they were sailing on capsized, as they were not wearing a life jacket, presumably for fear of ruining their selfies.
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It is about Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim37 years old, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria27 years old, who were on the boat that capsized in the turbulent waters of the Devil’s Throat in the Iguazú River, located on the coast of São Vicente, Brazil, a place infamous for its high incidence of accidents.
The event occurred on September 29, however, the details were recently released.
Why didn’t the influencers wear life jackets?
According to the police commissioner of São Vicente, Marcos Alexandre Alfino, the accounts of the survivors and the captain of the boat indicate that Aline and Beatriz refused the life jackets, despite the pleas of the security team, arguing that “get in the way of tanning” y “they would ruin the photos” that they wanted to capture on board.
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On the other hand, they indicated that the captain of the boat tried to rescue the young women once the boat began to submerge, however, after not wearing a vest, it was impossible.
The Brazilian Maritime Guard He recovered Beatriz’s body a few days after the accident, floating near the site where the boat sank. Aline, on the other hand, was found a week later, on Itaquitanduva beach, several kilometers from the scene of the accident.
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Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re delving into a deeply concerning aspect of our social media culture. Joining us is Dr. Clara Mendes, a social psychologist and expert in digital behavior. Clara, thank you for being here.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic that needs to be discussed.
Interviewer: Recently, we witnessed the tragic drowning of two influencers in Brazil, who reportedly chose not to wear life jackets out of fear of ruining their selfies. What does this incident say about our current relationship with social media and validation?
Dr. Mendes: This incident highlights a disturbing trend where individuals prioritize social media validation over personal safety. The need for “likes” can create a reality where risky behaviors seem acceptable for the sake of maintaining an image online.
Interviewer: It’s surreal to think that the pressure to look a certain way on social media could lead to such dangerous decisions. Could you elaborate on why individuals feel this compulsion?
Dr. Mendes: Absolutely. Social media often fosters an environment where external validation becomes a measure of self-worth. Many influencers curate their lives to appear perfect, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘social comparison,’ where they gauge their value against others. For some, the fear of losing followers or receiving negative feedback outweighs the instinct for self-preservation.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. Are there specific psychological factors at play that might drive someone to make such a perilous choice?
Dr. Mendes: Definitely. There are several psychological factors, including the desire for approval, the fear of missing out, and even the thrill of risk-taking that social media can glamorize. Many influencers view their lives as a performance, and that can blur the lines between reality and the curated personas they present online.
Interviewer: So, in a way, the line between personal safety and online persona becomes dangerously thin?
Dr. Mendes: Exactly. This blend can create a “performative culture” where individuals feel compelled to present an idealized version of themselves, often ignoring their own safety and well-being. The tragic incident in Brazil is a sobering reminder of how far that pressure can take someone.
Interviewer: How can society combat this trend? What steps can influencers and the general public take to prioritize safety over social media approval?
Dr. Mendes: It’s crucial for influencers to use their platforms to advocate for safety and responsible behavior. Educating audiences about the importance of safety, regardless of aesthetics, can shift perspectives. Additionally, viewers should practice critical thinking about the content they consume and recognize that behind the glossy images, real-life consequences exist.
Interviewer: That’s a valuable perspective. Are there any further actions that social platforms could take to mitigate this pressure?
Dr. Mendes: Social media platforms can certainly play a role. They could implement features that encourage positive interactions, reduce the emphasis on “likes” and follower counts, and promote safety-aware content. Creating a culture that values authenticity over perfection could have significant long-term effects.
Interviewer: Clara, this has been an eye-opening conversation. Thank you for sharing your insights on such a vital issue. Let’s hope that tragedies like this one can lead to broader discussions about the impact of social media on our lives.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you. Awareness is the first step towards change, and I appreciate your efforts to bring this topic to light.
Interviewer: That’s all for today. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news, and make sure to stay safe and true to yourself in this digital age.