Latest news with #EricClua
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Influencers are being blamed for a rise in shark attacks
Influencers get a lot of stick these days. The latest thing they're being blamed for: shark attacks. Big Lots stores reopening update: Here's the full list of locations that will open this week This is how it feels at the beginning of the end of the world The kerning on the pope's tomb is a travesty Scientists have noted a recent rise in shark attacks, and according to new research published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science, of the 74 recorded bites in the seas around French Polynesia, 5% were assessed as acts of self-defense. Professor Eric Clua of PSL University in France, who led the research, holds social media responsible. 'I don't encourage, as many influencers do on social networks, [people] to cling to a shark's dorsal fin or stroke it, under the pretext of proving that they are harmless,' Clua told The Times. 'The sharks here feel like family,' one such influencer with 111,000 followers wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. In one picture, she is seen grabbing the nose of a shark; in another, she reaches out and gently pushes its nose as it swims toward her. 'Don't get it twisted, the sharks don't give a f*** about me,' she adds in the caption. 'Which absolutely makes me a crazy shark lady.' While they might feel like family, that doesn't mean the sharks consent to being used as props in a social media post—a lesson some people have unfortunately learned the hard way. Earlier this year, a tourist vacationing in the Caribbean was allegedly trying to take a photo of a bull shark swimming in shallow waters when it bit off both her hands. Although sharks are not naturally inclined to bite humans, they are wild predators that will act in self-defense. Researchers examined a global database known as the Shark Attack Files and found more than 300 incidents fitting the same defensive pattern, dating back to the 1800s. Most of these bites involved small and medium-size sharks, including gray reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and nurse sharks. When it comes to great whites, which are more dangerous, humans are generally wise enough to steer clear. 'People know the difference between a [Yorkshire terrier] and a pit bull, whereas they don't know the difference between a blacktip reef shark and a bull shark, which are their marine equivalents,' Clua said. 'They are responsible for fewer than 10 human deaths a year worldwide. Whereas dogs are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths and are perceived positively by the public.' Even using the term 'shark attack' is misleading, researchers argue, as it creates the perception of sharks as aggressors and undermines conservation efforts that rely on public support. Around 100 million sharks are killed annually (about 274,000 per day), targeted for their fins, meat, and as bycatch. As it stands, they have more reason to be scared of you than you have of them. So, if you find yourself swimming alongside a shark, the scientific advice is simple: Look, don't touch. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why scientists are blaming influencers for rise in shark attacks
Social media influencers encouraging travellers to 'stroke' sharks are behind a rise in shark attacks, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation, analysed records of shark encounters in the seas around French Polynesia and found that of the 74 recorded bites, five per cent were assessed as being defensive, occurring immediately after a human interaction perceived by the shark as threatening. In addition, the team examined a global database known as the Shark Attack Files, which holds data about such incidents dating back to the 1800s. Researchers found that more than 300 incidents fit the same defensive pattern. Professor Eric Clua of PSL University in France, who led the research, claimed that social media was responsible for encouraging people to interact with sharks. 'I don't encourage, as many influencers do on social networks, [people] to cling to a shark's dorsal fin or stroke it, under the pretext of proving that they are harmless and [those people are] supposedly working for their conservation,' he said. 'People know the difference between a [Yorkshire terrier] and a pit bull, whereas they don't know the difference between a blacktip reef shark and a bull shark, which are their marine equivalents,' he told The Times. 'There's an incredibly negative perception bias towards sharks … they are responsible for fewer than ten human deaths a year worldwide, whereas dogs are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths and are perceived positively by the public.' Celebrities who have posted clips of themselves touching sharks include actor Zac Efron, singer Ciara and the actor Bella Thorne. Elsewhere, footage of divers handling sharks has gone viral, with some participants even grasping the nose of tiger sharks – a large apex predator that can grow to over five metres in length. Taylor Cunningham is a social media influencer who posts footage of her swimming with and touching sharks, while conservationist Ocean Ramsay says 'we love to share rare moments of physical connection'. While sharks have long had a fearful reputation, academics say such incidents tend to occur as a result of harangued sharks being poked and prodded by humans. Professor Clua's advice to anyone who finds themselves swimming with a shark is: 'Don't touch.' 'Just look at it. Enjoy its beauty, but remember they are wild animals, predators that can act as predators. It is not only a matter of safety but also of respect.'
The Independent
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why are influencers being blamed for rise in shark attacks
Social media influencers encouraging travellers to 'stroke' sharks are behind a rise in shark attacks, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation, analysed records of shark encounters in the seas around French Polynesia and found that of the 74 recorded bites, five per cent were assessed as being defensive, occurring immediately after a human interaction perceived by the shark as threatening. In addition, the team examined a global database known as the Shark Attack Files, which holds data about such incidents dating back to the 1800s. Researchers found that more than 300 incidents fit the same defensive pattern. Professor Eric Clua of PSL University in France, who led the research, claimed that social media was responsible for encouraging people to interact with sharks. 'I don't encourage, as many influencers do on social networks, [people] to cling to a shark's dorsal fin or stroke it, under the pretext of proving that they are harmless and [those people are] supposedly working for their conservation,' he said. 'People know the difference between a [Yorkshire terrier] and a pit bull, whereas they don't know the difference between a blacktip reef shark and a bull shark, which are their marine equivalents,' he told The Times. 'There's an incredibly negative perception bias towards sharks … they are responsible for fewer than ten human deaths a year worldwide, whereas dogs are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths and are perceived positively by the public.' Celebrities who have posted clips of themselves touching sharks include actor Zac Efron, singer Ciara and the actor Bella Thorne. Elsewhere, footage of divers handling sharks has gone viral, with some participants even grasping the nose of tiger sharks – a large apex predator that can grow to over five metres in length. Taylor Cunningham is a social media influencer who posts footage of her swimming with and touching sharks, while conservationist Ocean Ramsay says 'we love to share rare moments of physical connection'. While sharks have long had a fearful reputation, academics say such incidents tend to occur as a result of harangued sharks being poked and prodded by humans. Professor Clua's advice to anyone who finds themselves swimming with a shark is: 'Don't touch.' 'Just look at it. Enjoy its beauty, but remember they are wild animals, predators that can act as predators. It is not only a matter of safety but also of respect.'
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
How selfie seekers are contributing to the rise in shark attacks
Image source: Alamy The pursuit of the perfect selfie has evolved beyond a harmless hobby and is now a dangerous trend in the oceans. Scientists are warning that the rising number of shark attacks can be attributed to tourists and influencers eager to capture close-up moments with these powerful predators. These reckless encounters, often driven by the desire to photograph or film, are leading to risky situations. A growing number of shark attacks are actually defensive responses by sharks, triggered by human behavior such as poking, prodding, or trying to photograph them. As the selfie craze intensifies, scientists urge people to reconsider the risks and treat these apex predators with the caution they require. How is the selfie craze leading to more shark attacks A new study published in Frontiers in Conservation reveals that many shark bites previously labelled as "attacks" are actually defensive reactions. Sharks are typically non-aggressive toward humans. They respond instinctively when they feel threatened, often after being poked, prodded, or grabbed by individuals trying to take photos or videos. Social media's role in fueling risky behaviour around sharks "People are treating sharks without any caution, in ways they would never treat a strange dog," says Professor Eric Clua of Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University, the study's lead author. "Many influencers encourage clinging to a shark's dorsal fin or stroking them under the false idea that they are harmless. But this behaviour provokes the animal's survival instincts." Image source: Alamy What does the study reveals The study examined shark encounters in French Polynesia from 2009 to 2023. Out of 74 recorded bites, about 5% were found to be defensive, occurring immediately after humans behaved aggressively or intrusively toward the shark. Most incidents involved smaller species like grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and nurse sharks. What role are influencers playing in shark-human conflicts This trend is fueled by viral social media content, where influencers and even celebrities showcase themselves swimming beside or touching sharks. Wildlife photographer Taylor Cunningham, for example, shared videos of herself touching tiger sharks, calling them "like family." Meanwhile, marine biologist Ocean Ramsey sparked controversy after being filmed swimming alongside and stroking a giant great white shark, Deep Blue. Recent examples of shark bites These seemingly awe-inspiring moments come with real consequences. Recently, a Canadian tourist lost both her hands and part of her thigh while trying to photograph a shark in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In another tragic case, Barak Tzach, a father of four, was killed by sharks while attempting to film them off the coast of Israel. Misconceptions about sharks vs. the reality of their behaviour Experts emphasise that shark bites are extremely rare compared to other risks — sharks are responsible for fewer than 10 deaths a year globally, while dogs cause over 10,000 fatalities annually. Yet sharks suffer from a strong negative public image, leading to fear and misunderstanding. "Enjoy the beauty of sharks, but remember: they are wild predators," warns Professor Clua. "Look, don't touch." What can be done to prevent future shark bites The message is clear. As the obsession with capturing sensational content grows, so does the risk, not just to humans, but to the sharks themselves. Scientists hope that by highlighting the real causes behind many of these incidents, people will rethink their approach to interacting with wildlife. In the end, the best selfie might be the one taken from a safe distance, respecting the majestic creatures we are so eager to capture.
The Independent
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Influencers blamed for rise in shark attacks
Social media influencers encouraging travellers to 'stroke' sharks are behind a rise in shark attacks, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation, analysed records of shark encounters in the seas around French Polynesia and found that of the 74 recorded bites, five per cent were assessed as being defensive, occurring immediately after a human interaction perceived by the shark as threatening. In addition, the team examined a global database known as the Shark Attack Files, which holds data about such incidents dating back to the 1800s. Researchers found that more than 300 incidents fit the same defensive pattern. Professor Eric Clua of PSL University in France, who led the research, claimed that social media was responsible for encouraging people to interact with sharks. 'I don't encourage, as many influencers do on social networks, [people] to cling to a shark's dorsal fin or stroke it, under the pretext of proving that they are harmless and [those people are] supposedly working for their conservation,' he said. 'People know the difference between a [Yorkshire terrier] and a pit bull, whereas they don't know the difference between a blacktip reef shark and a bull shark, which are their marine equivalents,' he told The Times. 'There's an incredibly negative perception bias towards sharks … they are responsible for fewer than ten human deaths a year worldwide, whereas dogs are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths and are perceived positively by the public.' Celebrities who have posted clips of themselves touching sharks include actor Zac Efron, singer Ciara and the actor Bella Thorne. Elsewhere, footage of divers handling sharks has gone viral, with some participants even grasping the nose of tiger sharks – a large apex predator that can grow to over five metres in length. Taylor Cunningham is a social media influencer who posts footage of her swimming with and touching sharks, while conservationist Ocean Ramsay says 'we love to share rare moments of physical connection'. While sharks have long had a fearful reputation, academics say such incidents tend to occur as a result of harangued sharks being poked and prodded by humans. Professor Clua's advice to anyone who finds themselves swimming with a shark is: 'Don't touch.' 'Just look at it. Enjoy its beauty, but remember they are wild animals, predators that can act as predators. It is not only a matter of safety but also of respect.'
