HBO’s Chernobyl sparks influencer influx to disaster site

Shots of Insta models donning hazmat suits and one notably raunchy post have been met with revulsion from social media commenters, prompting the show’s writer, Craig Mazin, to plea for tourists to remember the ‘terrible tragedy’ that occurred, while respecting those who ‘suffered and sacrificed’.

I mean it’s pretty obvious to most of us that a national disaster responsible for the deaths of over 4000 people probably isn’t the most suitable backdrop to show off your perky glutes. But it’s just further proof (like you really needed it) that some people will do literally anything for likes nowadays.

I truly struggle to understand how a show purposed as a historically accurate representation of such disturbing and distressing events can sensationalise people into making such misguided decisions, all for online validation.

Anyone who watched the show will understand the magnitude of what we’re dealing with here. The brutal reality of the events that unfolded in Pryp’yat’ demand reverence and compassion, and yet they’ve been trivialised and distilled down by many into little more than a modern trend to be capitalised on.

The weary, barren surroundings are a constant reminder of the suffering and grief that unfolded after the explosion, and until recently, tourists had largely conducted themselves in a manner befitting the fact.

However, once again we bear witness to the prevailing influence of social media. Ill informed individuals will continue to mishandle sensitive subjects like this until the end of time, but it’s up to us folk to let them know all about it once they do. Dark tourism is undoubtedly booming, but we haven’t come this far to muddy our progress with these futile quests for fame.

Oh, the things people do for exposure.