Death by Selfie?

So far this year, more people have died taking dangerous selfies than have died by shark attacks? Yep, it's true. At least 12 people have died while taking pictures of themselves so far in 2015, while only eight people have died in shark attacks, according to a story from the BBC.

The deaths have included two guys who took a selfie while pulling the pin out of a grenade and a student who died falling from a bridge while trying to take a selfie hanging from it. And the problem seems to be worldwide.

Here in the US, people have been commonly injured trying to take selfies with wildlife in places like Yellowstone National Park. Several people have been gored by bison while trying to catch the perfect selfie with the animals. Others have tried capturing selfies with bears and other predators. The dangerous selfie craze is becoming so common that there's even a YouTube video that claims to share the "25 Most Dangerous Selfies Ever!" Some of them have been proven to be fakes, however...

So, what makes people want to take these kind of pictures? Have we become so self-absorbed that we can't even recognize when we're putting ourselves in potentially grave danger? Or are we all just so starved for attention that we'll go to any lengths to grab a few minutes of digital fame?

What's the craziest selfie you've ever taken? Or ever seen? I can't even take a worthwhile non-dangerous selfie, as you can see!