Sharks often have a bad reputation because of their image as formidable predators, reinforced by the media and rare but highly publicized attacks on humans.
Since the release of the movie Jaws in 1975, sharks have become true bloodthirsty monsters in the eyes of the general public. Hollywood often highlights their aggressive and unpredictable image to provoke fear, while in reality, these attacks remain extremely rare. The media also bears some responsibility by sensationally reporting every incident, no matter how minor, involving a shark, thus promoting their reputation as ruthless killers. As a result, sharks are dangerously categorized due to a handful of terrifying films and alarmist reports, even though they rarely attack humans.
For a long time, sharks have been accompanied by a plethora of persistent legends that maintain their bad reputation. Some parts of the world firmly believed in tales where sharks were described as man-eating monsters, constantly lurking around ships to attack sailors who fell overboard. Other cultures have conveyed the idea of the shark as a symbol of absolute danger, to be avoided at all costs, fueling panic reactions in many people as soon as they are mentioned. They were often envisioned as fierce animals, aggressive by nature and always on the hunt for their next victim—whereas in reality, their behavior is often very different. These beliefs, passed down through generations without verifying the actual facts, have deeply ingrained the negative image of sharks in our collective imagination.
Every year, shark attacks make headlines in all the media as soon as they occur. However, these incidents remain very rare. For example, worldwide, there are fewer than ten shark-related deaths each year, compared to several hundred thousand for mosquitoes, dogs, or snakes. But the media knows that these attacks capture the public's imagination: impressive, dramatic, spectacular, these events easily fuel collective fear without reflecting the true statistical danger. The result? A magnifying effect that artificially inflates the perception of the real risk posed by sharks.
Sharks do not attack humans for pleasure or because they see us as natural prey. In reality, the majority of bites result from mistakes or curiosity. Sharks often use their mouths the way we use our hands: to explore and understand their surroundings. Poor visibility in the water or a resemblance to a typical prey (such as a surfboard viewed from underneath that resembles a seal) is often the cause of accidental attacks. It is also false to believe that all sharks are very aggressive: among more than 500 known species, only a handful are involved in incidents with humans, the most well-known being the great white, the tiger, and the bull shark. Most sharks are calm and prefer to avoid confrontation with us.
The fear of sharks often stems from a deeply rooted instinctive fear: that of the unknown and discreet predator, against which one feels vulnerable. Our imagination loves to create an invisible threat beneath the surface, and that is exactly what the shark represents: a hidden danger that strikes without warning. There is also the fear of lack of control: in the water, it is impossible to escape easily; it is their territory, not ours. Culturally, sharks often appear as symbols of threatening strength or aggressiveness, which amplifies their bad reputation. Furthermore, collective fear easily generates the imagery of "man-eaters" over generations: stories become ingrained in the collective unconscious and shape our negative view of these animals. As a result, even though statistically they pose little risk, sharks frighten us more than they should.
Every year, accidents involving coconuts falling from trees cause more human deaths than shark attacks.
Among more than 500 known species of sharks, only about a dozen have ever been involved in incidents with humans, and most naturally avoid people.
Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, helping to maintain the balance and health of the oceans.
Unlike the popular myth, sharks generally do not confuse humans with their usual prey; most bites are exploratory and rarely fatal.
Sharks play a crucial role as top predators in regulating the populations of lower marine species, thereby ensuring a healthy biodiversity. They eliminate sick or weak animals and prevent the population explosion of certain species, which protects the overall ecological stability of the oceans.
To further reduce this already low risk: it is advised to swim in groups (sharks are attracted to isolated prey), avoid wearing shiny jewelry or bright colors in the water, refrain from swimming at dusk and dawn (sharks' preferred hunting times), and follow the guidelines provided in areas known for sharks.
The actual risk of being attacked by a shark is extremely low. Each year, only a few dozen incidents occur worldwide, compared to the large number of people who visit the sea daily.
The film 'Jaws' (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg, is by far the most influential, closely followed by other films on the theme of shark attacks such as 'Deep Blue Sea' and 'The Shallows.' These films tend to portray sharks as fierce serial killers, an image that is far from scientific reality.
It is important to provide the public with accurate scientific information about sharks: their essential ecological role, their true nature, and their natural non-aggressive behavior towards humans. Education, responsible ecotourism, and positive media campaigns can greatly contribute to improving their reputation.
No, the majority of shark attacks are due to misidentification or curiosity. Humans are not a preferred part of the shark's diet, which favors prey that is rich in fat, such as pinnipeds (seals, sea lions).
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