Self-portrait paintings started what is now called a selfie. The first photographic “selfie” was taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius. Cornelius was an amateur chemist and photographer in Philadelphia.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines selfie as a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website. Once celebrities like the Jenner-Kardashian family or Miley Cryus started posting them, the world followed their trend. But it’s getting out of hand.

According to The Telegraph, there are more selfie-related deaths this year than deaths by shark attacks. Twelve people have died in selfie-related incidents compared to eight by shark attacks. The Russian government issued a guide on how not to die while talking a selfie.

The goal of taking a selfie is to get as many likes as possible on social media. People have turned also to taking risqué photos to gain the attention of their followers. Kylie Jenner shows teenagers it’s okay to flaunt your body, and teens follow her example. Selfies are becoming more than a social statement, they are now the downfall of future generations.

Businesses rely heavily on social media to do a background check on their applicants. The employer uses social media to see if she/he would be a valuable asset to the company. Employers want to see how well-rounded the applicant is become making a hiring decision.

A survey by Career Builder found that 46 percent of job candidates posted provocative or inappropriate photos and information. Another 41 percent posted information about them drinking or using drugs.

There are pros and cons to selfies. It’s a reminiscent of all the amazing times one has had. Future generations are following the trends of celebrities and not realizing what the consequences are for being careless on social media and how it will affect them in the workplace.