Stereotypes Affecting The Public's Perceptions In Shark Media

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The Stigma of Sharks
Since the beginning of shark media, the dangers they pose have dramatically spread. Shark thrillers have had a tremendous impact on the film industry, but dramatizing it for the film has affected the public’s perception. By spreading stories about sharks attacking people, the media has exploited public fear. Trusted individuals and programs have spread misinformation around the world. In creating entertaining stories, the truth is often overlooked, and sharks have experienced great losses in their numbers. Negative public perceptions of sharks caused by misinformation and dramatization in the media contribute to declines in shark populations.

Depictions of Sharks in Media
JAWS
A well-recognized movie that revolved around …show more content…

Jaws enforces this belief by stating that the only solution to the problem is to kill the shark, either by physically killing it, or starving it of resources (Neff, 2015, p. 119). This solution was part of the dramatized storyline, yet it has been taken as fact. This perception in the movie spread to the public and resulted in countless “shark hunts” to clear the oceans of sharks, particularly on the theory of rogue sharks (Neff, 2019, p. 181). As stated previously, rogue sharks are a myth, disproving that part of this rule. Also stated before is the misunderstandings of these attacks, and how they are commonly a result of test bites. The disproving of those eliminates the argument stated as the third rule. However, even with this information being publicly available, this confusion is still being made, and it is related to the dramatization of trusted …show more content…

Tons of information can be shared about these creatures without linking them to false narratives placed on them. These programs can teach about sharks’ ecology, behavior, and anatomy. When people have a reduced level of fear toward an animal and have a greater understanding of them, they become more positive toward them. Due to the limited knowledge, the public has about sharks, aside from what they see in the media, they do not have a positive attitude towards sharks (Bryhim & Parsons, 2015, p. 4). Therefore, educating the public about sharks and their behavior is crucial to reducing fear and increasing positive attitudes toward them. This can lead to better conservation efforts and the protection of shark populations.
Highlighting positive news relating to sharks and conservation efforts can help improve people's perceptions of these animals. The media can play a pivotal role in promoting the significance of preserving shark populations through conservation campaigns and initiatives. This can be done through documentaries, social media campaigns, and news articles that educate the public on the importance of sharks in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. By highlighting successful conservation efforts, people can be motivated to take action and support initiatives aimed at protecting these