Debunking Shark Week's Sensational Misconceptions

As Shark Week celebrates its 35th year, the show has faced criticism for becoming more sensational and presenting graphic animal violence. However, according to Gavin Naylor, a scientist who directs the University of Florida's shark research program, the risk of being bitten by a shark is overblown. He states that you are more likely to drown or get in a car wreck than be bitten by a shark. Shark attacks have not increased despite increased shark sightings due to smartphones and drones. Naylor emphasizes that sharks do not single out humans for attack and bite first, think later. While there is a small risk associated with activities in the ocean, different personality types choose how they want to deploy that risk.