@surfermarly I just published a piece on the subculture of Skywalkers. It's an extension of Urban Exploration which focuses on breaking into the tallest buildings, climbing without any safety harnesses or ropes, and taking selfies/video for YouTube. In some cases absurd stunts are performed. Some of the most popular social influencers in this subculture have 685,000 subscribers and monetize their channel with custom shirts, gear , etc.

I agree with your position it revolves around attention seeking but I think it goes even further when a person can open an e-commerce site for like $30, build a brand presence for like another $50 through Fiverr, then monetize their army of armchair voyeurs for income which would far surpass a college-educated middle class worker, much less a summer job at McDonalds.

In some ways it reminds me of Romans packing the stands in the gladiatorial arena cheering the spectacle of carnage for an afternoon of entertainment - largely because they are not at risk. In order to keep the mob entertained, ever greater risk and spectacle is required.

Personally, I have a very strong libertarian streak around personal freedoms, and don't think I have any place to limit what an individual chooses to do with his or her life, so long as what he or she chooses to do does not infringe upon the liberties of another individual. That being said, I am VERY conscious of what I consume and support with my dollars. In the end, if you are consuming the media and purchasing the merch, you are perpetuating the activity.

Great post.