Travel TikTok Fails: Viral Trends That Put Tourists in Danger
There’s no doubt that social media has revolutionized the way we share our travel experiences. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made it easier than ever to capture and share our adventures with the world. But while most people use these platforms to inspire and entertain, some have taken it to the extreme, putting themselves and others in danger. In recent years, there has been a rise in travel TikTok fails, where tourists attempt to recreate viral trends that have gone wrong and end up risking their safety. In this article, we’ll explore some of these dangerous trends and why they should be avoided. So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the world of travel TikTok fails.
The Rise of TikTok Travel Culture
With over 800 million active users worldwide, it’s no surprise that TikTok has become a go-to platform for travelers looking to document their journeys. The app’s short-form video format, combined with its extensive music library, has made it perfect for creating visually appealing and entertaining content.
Travelers are constantly looking for unique and exciting experiences to share on TikTok, and this has given rise to a new culture of travel influencers. These influencers, with their thousands (sometimes millions) of followers, have a significant impact on their audience’s travel decisions. As a result, some have resorted to taking extreme measures to gain more views and followers.
The Dangerous Side of Travel TikTok
Trend #1: Cliff Jumping
Perhaps one of the most popular trends on travel TikTok is cliff jumping. Videos of people jumping off cliffs into deep waters and lush landscapes have gone viral, garnering millions of views. And while it may seem like a fun and exhilarating experience, it’s essential to remember that cliff jumping is an extremely dangerous activity.
It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush and stunning views when attempting to recreate these videos. But many fail to consider the risks involved, such as strong currents, hidden rocks, and shallow waters. Injuries from cliff jumping can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe head and spinal injuries, and even death.
In 2018, a popular travel blogger lost her life while cliff jumping in Australia, highlighting the dangers of this trend. So, while it might make for a great viral video, it’s best to leave cliff jumping to the professionals and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
Trend #2: Hanging off Moving Vehicles
Another disturbing trend that has emerged on travel TikTok is hanging off moving vehicles, such as trains and cars. These videos often show people holding onto the exterior of the vehicle while it’s in motion, with popular songs and editing effects for added thrill.
Aside from the obvious danger of falling off a moving vehicle, this trend also poses a risk to other road users. Many countries have strict laws regarding this kind of reckless behavior and can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment. So, think twice before attempting to hop onto a train or car for a TikTok video.
Trend #3: Walking on Dangerous Surfaces
It’s become a popular TikTok challenge to stand on the edge of a landmark or walk on narrow and precarious surfaces for a photo or video. While this may seem like an easy way to get a few likes and followers, the risk of injury is incredibly high.
Standing on the edge of a cliff or a tall building is not only dangerous but also disrespectful to the local culture and the natural environment. The trend has already caused several accidents, with some individuals losing their balance and falling to their death.
It’s important to remember that these landmarks are not photo studios, and we should always prioritize our safety and the preservation of these sites over getting a perfect shot for social media.
The Power of Responsible Social Media
While it’s easy to blame TikTok and social media for creating a culture where people are willing to risk their safety for a few seconds of fame, it’s ultimately up to the individuals to practice responsible social media usage.
As travelers, we have a responsibility to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. That means being mindful of our actions and the impact they have on the places we visit and the people living there. We must also encourage others to use social media responsibly and not glorify dangerous behaviors for the sake of views and followers.
In Conclusion
Viral trends on TikTok and other social media platforms are constantly evolving, and it’s no surprise that some of them are dangerous. As travelers, we must remember to prioritize our safety and the well-being of others over getting the perfect shot for social media. Let’s use our platforms responsibly, inspire others to travel responsibly, and help protect our beautiful destinations for future generations.
