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Research into the factors behind shark attacks reveals that the influence of social media personalities may be contributing to an increase in such incidents.
Specifically, the desire of individuals to capture close encounters with sharks for social media posts is identified by some researchers as a key factor.
According to The Times, Professor Eric Clua from PSL University in France noted that statistically, dogs pose a greater risk to humans than sharks. “Sharks lead to fewer than ten fatalities each year globally,” he explained, adding, “while dogs are responsible for over 10,000 deaths, and they are generally viewed positively by society.”
Scientists Concerned by Influencer Behavior
Despite the statistical realities, Clua believes the rise of influencers seeking exciting content is directly contributing to the uptick in shark attack incidents.
He expressed concern over practices promoted by influencers on social media, such as riding on a shark’s dorsal fin or petting it to demonstrate how harmless they are. “I do not endorse such actions,” he stated.
Clua and his research team utilize global records of shark encounters known as the “Shark Attack Files,” which date back to the 1800s, to examine the nature of these attacks, distinguishing between predatory and defensive behaviors.
The latter type often involves sudden bites without warning. He cautioned that even seemingly harmless actions, like touching a shark’s nose or attempting to help it, might be perceived by the animal as a threat.
“We not only aim to decrease such incidents in nature, but we also aspire to reshape journalists’ perspectives on the circumstances surrounding bites,” Clua noted, highlighting the study’s objectives.
His straightforward advice? “Avoid contact.” A sensible approach.
In early 2023, a video surfaced on TikTok showing divers successfully repelling a shark without any attempt to approach it, which gained significant attention.
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