The survey says: Russian model’s selfie stunt in Dubai

We asked TaskSpotting app users about Viki Odintcova's death-defying stunt.

Daredevil stunts have a long history as a disruptive tactic for individuals and brands looking to gain quick publicity. Last month, a video of a Russian model, Viki Odintcova, striking a series of death-defying poses on top of the 73-storey Cayan Tower in Dubai went viral on social media, fuelling controversy and debate.

There’s no doubt that it takes special courage to perform such acts, but was this taking things too far? Ms Odintcova did not obtain permission to perform her stunt and wore no safety harness.

Ms Odintcova later apologised and said she deserved “a reward for disclosing weaknesses in the security of that building”.

We asked TaskSpotting app users about their opinion on this event.

TaskSpotting describes itself as the region’s only advocate marketing platform and pitches our questions to its app community who typically engage with brands to create content, spread awareness and share feedback.

Most of the 4,398 respondents said they saw the pictures. Over 70 per cent considered Ms Odintcova to have acted recklessly. 59 per cent respondents said she should be punished, while more than 40 per cent agreed that Instagram encourages dangerous behaviour.