In the race for likes and followers, some influencers are getting a little too close for comfort—to sharks, that is.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Conservation has researchers pointing fingers at social media stars for a spike in shark attacks. More and more people post videos of themselves petting, grabbing, or even trying to ride them like some underwater cowboy. Unsurprisingly, they aren’t thrilled about being used as selfie props.
Scientists say many of these bites happen because sharks feel threatened, not because they hunt humans. If you poke a wild animal enough, eventually, it will poke back with teeth.
Shark Species? Who Cares, It’s for the Gram
Here’s the kicker: a lot of these so-called adventurers can’t even tell the difference between a mellow reef shark and a cranky tiger shark.
Professor Eric Clua, one of the study’s lead scientists, compared the confusion to people misreading dog breeds. You might be able to pet a golden retriever, but try that with a stray Rottweiler and see how it goes.
Clua and his team looked at shark encounters in French Polynesia between 2009 and 2023. They found that out of 74 incidents, at least 5% were defensive bites caused by people getting way too handsy. Add that to over 300 similar cases worldwide, and you start seeing a worrying trend: humans acting recklessly for a viral moment—and getting bitten for it.
Sharks Aren’t the Villains Here
Despite what Hollywood wants you to believe, sharks aren’t lurking around every corner waiting to turn someone into chum.
Most of its species, like the blacktip reef shark or the nurse shark, are pretty chill if left alone. It’s when humans force a close encounter—grabbing fins, crowding them, flashing cameras—that sharks defend themselves the only way they know how.
The researchers are begging the public: enjoy sharks from a distance. You can marvel at their beauty without giving one a reason to introduce you to their dental plan.
A Lesson in Respect (And Common Sense)
The moral of the story? Not everything needs to be turned into viral content—especially not wild, unpredictable animals with rows of razor-sharp teeth.
If you want a selfie that badly, maybe stick to cardboard cutouts at the aquarium. The sharks (and your limbs) will thank you.
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