The new fad of becoming influencers on social media has its pros and cons. It gives them 15 minutes of fame and hundreds of likes. If the influencers stick to safe themes and topics, it is fine, but once they go overboard, they need to be shown their place. There are several examples in several states where, because of influencers, people have been in trouble or even lost their lives. This is truer for Goa because the influencers put up enticing photographs of some sites and “tempt” others to visit them.
These sites may be “waterfalls” and “cool pools” in abandoned quarries which are dangerous places. One does not know the depth of the “pools” nor about the presence of rock outcrops. Neither the locals nor the tourists heed the advice of the people staying near the quarries nor read the warning boards. The influencers also post other sites that may be difficult and even dangerous to visit.
The state governments, with their far and wide reach and influence, could tackle the menace of influencers through cautionary posts on social media platforms. The misconceptions about certain touristy spots could be clarified. Similar information must be frequently published in national and local newspapers so that tourists may avoid going to unknown and risky places.
