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The selfie stick exploded in 2014, but 2015 hasn't been as kind to the invention, as highlighted in a recent study.
The photo-taking tool, which was named one of TIME magazine's "25 Best Inventions of 2014," has lately become the center of controversy, with attractions, transportation hubs and even entire destinations (including "The Happiest Place on Earth") banning the device.
A new study by travel dating website MissTravel.com shows just how far the "Narcisstick" has fallen.
The study asked more than 58,000 MissTravel customers/frequent fliers to point out "The Biggest Travel Pet Peeves of 2015." And, despite those respondents coming from a travel dating website (where selfies are abundant), it turns out the selfie stick was their No. 1 pet peeve. While hogging overhead compartments in airplanes (20 percent of respondents), using an iPad to take photos (17 percent) and the distracting overuse of social media (12 percent) were major pet peeves, none of them compared to the selfie stick, with 42 percent of respondents condemning the device.
"The Selfie Stick was a staple at popular tourist destinations this year," said Brandon Wade, founder and CEO of MissTravel, via a release. "Although you may have good intentions, carrying a Selfie Stick around could be seen as a sign of narcissism and self-absorption by your travel companion. Enjoy your vacation by allowing yourself to experience everything in the moment, instead of obsessing over capturing it in the perfect selfie."
In 2014, it would have been hard to imagine users of a travel dating website declaring their hatred of the selfie stick. Both travelers and those looking for romance across the world were major drivers of the contraption's popularity.
But this is a different time, it seems. MissTravel's user base, which accounts for 500,000 members and 300,000 trips, has just spoken, and it doesn't look good for the device.
The selfie stick could end up being a mere snapshot in the world's history when all is said and done.
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