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How have social media and selfie culture affected the way people visit and interact with famous landmarks?

Jayson Vertey

Social media and selfie culture have definitely had a huge impact on the way people visit and interact with famous landmarks all around the world. In the past, people would visit landmarks to appreciate their beauty and historical significance, but now it seems like people are solely interested in one thing – taking the perfect selfie to upload on their social media profiles.

While some may argue that the rise of social media and selfies has made people more interested in travelling and exploring new places, the downside is that this obsession with taking perfect selfies has overshadowed the actual experiences of visiting these landmarks. Instead of taking in the beauty of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre or admiring the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, people are more focused on getting the right angle and lighting for their selfie.

This obsession with selfies has also led to increased overcrowding and congestion at famous landmarks. People are willing to wait for hours in long lines just to take a picture at the top of the Empire State Building or the Sydney Opera House. This not only affects the experiences of the people visiting these landmarks, but it also causes inconvenience to locals and the overall tourism industry.

In some cases, people have even gone too far in their quest for the perfect selfie. There have been incidents where people have climbed over barriers and put themselves in dangerous situations just to get the perfect shot. Not only is this reckless behavior dangerous, but it also disrespects the significance of these landmarks and the safety of other visitors.

Social media and the selfie culture have also led to the rise of what is known as the "Instagram effect". This is when people visit landmarks solely for the purpose of taking pictures to upload on their Instagram accounts. This has made certain landmarks more popular than others, solely because they make for popular photo opportunities. For example, the popularity of the Bali Swing in Indonesia has increased just because it makes for a great Instagram-worthy photo.

In conclusion, while social media and the selfie culture have made it easier for people to showcase their travel experiences and explore new places, it has also had a negative impact on how people visit and interact with famous landmarks. People are more focused on taking selfies than experiencing the true beauty and cultural significance of these landmarks. This has led to overcrowding, unsafe behavior, and the prioritization of certain landmarks over others solely for their photo opportunities. It is important for people to remember the true significance of these landmarks and prioritize safety and respect over taking the perfect selfie.