News Report of IG ‘Rooftoppers’ Saying That They Didn’t Do it for Likes Backfired

Let’s face it; the world’s a pretty safe place to live in now. And yes, that’s factoring in all the US-North Korea, ISIS and Trump hogwash.

But what do you know? It seems that not everyone appreciates a quiet, peaceful revolving world with no conflict whatsoever.

As such, those people, also known as the adrenaline-thirsty individuals, have taken it upon themselves to indulge in dangerous activities: bungee-jumping, shark-cage diving and… taking the see-saw with someone ten times your size.

Now, make no mistake, those are definitely dangerous, and could undoubtedly send you across the border in a heartbeat. But at the very least, there are always safety precautions in place and people to supervise.

However, somewhere out there, there’s a particular hobby that goes beyond the threshold. Beyond supervision and sanity.

It’s called…

Rooftopping.

Lest you’re unaware of the exact definition, here’s a brief explanation by my colleague Jia Hui: “Rooftopping is basically an “often illegal” activity that requires thrill-seekers to climb up to dangerous heights, just to take a selfie or a video.”

Thrown into the limelight

While the activity has been present for quite some time, it has never quite materialized into full-blown news.

Until this incident occurred.

Warning: this video isn’t for the faint-hearted.

What happened: this 26-year-old Chinese rooftopper purportedly took on a rooftopping challenge that promised 100,000 yuan (S$20,400), but unfortunately fell to his death while attempting it.

Virality

News of the incident went viral, and was picked up by a number of media outlets.

Subsequently, Channel News Asia did a feature article on the controversial activity, where it interviewed various Singaporean rooftoppers on the topic.

“A lot of people will generalise and think we’re only doing it for the likes and comments,” said a 23-year-old local rooftopper who only wanted to be known as Darren. “Some people are fuelled by fame … However for me, it’s more about the experience and I would still be doing it even if there was no social media or Internet.”

YouTube content creator Thomas K, on the other hand, said he initially started rooftopping for both the “thrill and sense of accomplishment from overcoming his fear of heights”.

“It’s more of escaping from the haste and bustle of the city,” he said. “We’re so stressed out down here. When you’re sitting on a roof, you feel above it all, not caught up in all of it.

“You’re just free for a moment, and you can just breathe and clear your head.”

It kinda backfired

After the publication, Netizens weren’t, to put it bluntly, that understanding of the sport.

Some offered alternatives.

One even called for the police’s intervention.

And last but not least:

 

So yeah, as you can probably tell…

Netizens didn’t exactly buy it.

 

Additionally, it’s a potential offence, for your info

When Channel NewsAsia contacted the Singapore police, it said that it “would like to remind the public that ‘rooftopping’ may constitute an offence of wilful trespass or criminal trespass”.

“Wilful trespassing on any ground without satisfactory excuse carries a fine of up to S$1,000 on conviction,” read the advisory. “Criminal trespassing carries an imprisonment term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to S$1,500, or both.”

Is it the only way?

While rooftopping undoubtedly forces you to disregard your fear of heights, and provides a fresh new experience…

Is it worth it?

After all, you’re risking your whole life for that.

And I’m pretty darn sure your mum didn’t sign up for that when she had you, circumstances or not.

Nevertheless, folks… do not try it.

Because that one time you try it could just be your last.

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about an NTU student who went all out to impress his crush, only to end up in…tragedy? Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

Read Also

• The Science Behind a Serious Fear of Cockroaches & How to Overcome It
• These are the Average Heights for S’porean Males & Female. Are You Above or Below Average?
• Everything About the Chinese Daredevil Who Fell to his Death After Performing Rooftop Chin-up

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Featured image: Channel News Asia (Faaariz)