Killer Reels: Low Self-Esteem Driving People To Fatal Stunts | Doctor's Perspective

New Delhi: A deeply shocking and concerning video of a 23-year-old woman on Tuesday emerged from Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (earlier known as Aurangabad).

The woman named Shweta Survase, who was getting her video recorded by a friend of hers, for posting it as a reel on social media while trying her hand at driving, died after she accidentally pressed the accelerator of her car while in reverse mode and plunged into a 300-feet deep gorge and died.

"Survase tried her hand at driving while her friend Shivraj Mule was shooting a video. She accidentally pressed the accelerator while the car was in reverse gear. The vehicle slid back, broke a crash barrier, and plunged into the valley. It took an hour for rescuers to reach her and the vehicle. She was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital," the Khutabad police station official told news agency PTI.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first ever mishap that has resulted in the death of youngsters following their obsession with social media. In several instances, youngsters have lost their lives just to post content on social media for 'likes,' validation or to even stay ‘relevant.’

Republic spoke with Dr Sudhir Bhave, a prominent psychiatrist from Central India, who shed light on the dark side of social media and explained the reasons behind the obsessive behaviour of youngsters towards these platforms.

What's The Urge?

Dr Bhave speaking on the 'urge' of the youngsters to indulge in such acts, said, “There are different kinds of people. Majorly one who suffers from low self-esteem. Such individuals seek validation through social media hence they keep posting such things on it.”

He added, "Likewise, there are people who undertake such risks and post the same on social media just for thrill or adventure." Bhave said that the desire for thrill overrides their sensibilities.

Dr Bhave also stated that such individuals fail to perceive the 'danger' of engaging in these activities as their wisdom and social judgment take a back seat.

When and How To Hit Pause Button?

Dr Bhave highlighted that individuals who can recognise the risks associated must avoid such acts and heavy engagements on social media.