DOMS PAGLIAWAN

I’ve always been fascinated by the creativity and energy that bloggers bring to the table, especially those who push the boundaries of content creation. At times, however, I can’t help but question the growing trend of extreme bloggers who take on dangerous stunts or visit perilous locations just to create viral content. It seems to me that in their pursuit of clicks and views, these individuals are risking more than just their safety—they’re sending a dangerous message to their audience. While pushing limits can be admirable, I believe there’s a fine line between innovation and recklessness.

Many extreme bloggers seem to think that the more outrageous or death-defying their content, the more attention they’ll get. And to some extent, they’re right. In a world where attention spans are short and the competition is fierce, they feel the need to outdo each other in more audacious ways. But what they often fail to acknowledge is the real risk they are taking with their own lives. I can’t help but wonder: is it worth risking serious injury or death for a few minutes of viral fame? I think not.

The effect on their viewers, particularly younger audiences, is troubling to me. Many of these extreme bloggers are seen as role models, and their followers might be tempted to mimic their stunts without considering the potential consequences. I’ve seen videos where bloggers scale dangerous cliffs, jump off high buildings, or travel to conflict zones, all while downplaying the dangers involved. These actions not only put their own lives at risk but also encourage impressionable viewers to do the same. It concerns me that this culture of one-upmanship has become so normalized.

Another issue I see is the glorification of recklessness as a badge of honor. I’ve come across content where bloggers pride themselves on “surviving” dangerous situations as if the thrill of escaping unscathed justifies the risks they’ve taken. But in reality, luck often plays a significant role. How many times have we seen stories of bloggers who pushed too far and paid the ultimate price? Their tragic stories serve as stark reminders that the line between thrilling and foolhardy is thin and all too easily crossed.

I also think about the impact on the places these bloggers visit. Many of them head to remote or unstable regions, where their presence can cause harm or disrupt local communities. Some extreme bloggers have been criticized for disrespecting cultural sites or trespassing in restricted areas, all in the name of creating “unique” content. I believe that these actions show a disregard not just for personal safety but for the people and places they exploit for clicks. To me, this is irresponsible and unethical.

There’s a growing problem with the way content is monetized. Bloggers are incentivized to create content that gets the most views, and often, the most outrageous content wins. I think this system needs to change. While I understand the desire for unique content, there has to be a better way to reward creators without encouraging dangerous behavior.

Platforms that host these videos need to take more responsibility for what they promote.
I find myself asking: where does the responsibility lie? Is it with the bloggers themselves, the platforms that showcase their content, or the audience that rewards such behavior with views and shares? I think it’s a combination of all three. Bloggers need to recognize the risks they’re taking and the message they’re sending. Platforms should set stricter guidelines on what content they allow, and viewers should be more critical of the content they consume and share.

Creativity should always be celebrated, but it should never come at the cost of safety or ethics. Bloggers need to draw a line between pushing boundaries and risking their lives for content. As a society, we should encourage more responsible content creation, and platforms must do their part to ensure that dangerous behaviors aren’t incentivized. Only then can we strike a balance between innovation and safety, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive without crossing into recklessness.