The art of the selfie—taking a picture of yourself—has become popular all over the world and across every generation.
But there's a problem: While we love seeing all of your beautiful, smiling faces, we are sometimes shocked at the pics that pop up on our social media feeds.
From taking funny selfies in front of tragic sites to risking life and limb for the perfect shot, we've rounded up the worst selfie behaviors and offered some handy tips for avoiding them.
So share these tips with the selfie offenders in your life and make the world—online and off—a better place.
Don't: Take A Selfie In A Historically Tragic Location
This should be common sense, but we've all seen the news stories of people taking lighthearted selfies at places like concentration camps and massacre memorials.
If you think for even a second that it might not be appropriate to take a selfie at the site you're in—don't do it.
Do: Find Another Way To Share Your Location
The most common reason for taking a selfie is to share where you are on social media. Instead of posting a selfie in a place commemorating a great tragedy, post a short tweet memorializing the site. Or better yet, just share your experience with friends and family when you get home. It will mean more.
Don't: Block Other People’s Views
There are few things more annoying than when a person in pursuit of a selfie blocks everyone else's view to get a picture of themselves in front of a place of interest.
Do: Find A Less Crowded Spot To Take Your Picture
Rather than block other people's views to get your picture, wait until the crowd disperses and take your picture then. Or, you could find a different spot where there are fewer people and take your selfie there.
Don't: Risk Your Safety
Taking pictures from the tops of buildings is cool, but no one wants to have to admit they were attempting a selfie when they ended up in the hospital. This rule also applies to taking selfies in dangerous places, with wild animals, and at riots or other perilous gatherings.
Do: Use Different Angles to Make Your Shot More Exciting
A group of tourists takes a selfie in front of the temple of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
If you absolutely have to take the selfie, make sure you are 100 percent safe before you do so. You can also change the angle of your photo to make the shot more exciting and visually interesting.
Don't: Let Taking The Perfect Picture Ruin Your Experience
Spending your entire trip pursuing the perfect selfie is a definite misstep. Sure, you'll have some great photos, but will you actually remember being there? You will also probably irritate everyone you're with if you can’t stop obsessing over your filters and hashtags.
Do: Take a Picture and Move On
Simple as that. Take one or two selfies, then sit back and enjoy your experience. You don’t need a picture of yourself everywhere you go. That's what memories are for.
Don't: Ignore The Rules Of Your Location
Did you know selfie sticks are illegal at some music festivals, theme parks, and other attractions? Some museums don't allow photography within their buildings either. Make sure you know the rules before you attempt to take a picture as some places deal out hefty punishments.
Do: Learn What Is And Is Not Acceptable
Every time you're somewhere unfamiliar, look for signs, ask a staff member, or check online for photography restrictions.
Don't: Use An IPad To Take Pictures
It needs to be said— you just look foolish. What's more, tablets are popular targets for theft. So if you travel with a tablet, keep it tucked away in your bag (or leave it at the hotel) and find another way to capture that selfie.
Do: Use Literally Anything Else
Chances are, someone in your travel group has a smartphone. Or a regular camera. There are plenty of other devices with selfie-taking capabilities that are much smaller and easier to use than an iPad—please choose one of those instead.
