The influencers getting bitten while chasing the perfect shark shot

Tayane Dalazen, a Brazilian lawyer and social media influencer, recounted her frightening encounter with a shark while on a diving trip off the Brazilian coast in April. The shark, over seven feet long, bit her leg and held her underwater before releasing her, leaving her with lacerations. Dalazen posted the footage online, which garnered tens of millions of views.

Despite not seeking social media attention or provoking the shark, she acknowledges she was too close to the animal. Shark scientist Kristian Parton has expressed growing concern about the rise in social media videos showing people interacting closely with sharks. He warns that incidents involving sharks biting humans are becoming more frequent, citing at least three instances in less than a year.

Researchers at the International Shark Attack File have also noted a notable increase in recent years of people being bitten while attempting to film with sharks. At least one influencer has been filmed touching a tiger shark and a great white shark. Scientists emphasize that approaching or touching a shark can cause stress and negatively impact the animal's health, potentially leading to weakened immune systems, increased mortality, and aborted offspring.

Influencer Ocean Ramsey, who has appeared in numerous shark videos, maintains that her content aims to promote shark conservation and education rather than encourage risky behavior. However, shark expert Dr. Jack Cooper argues that filming sharks being touched or ridden contributes to harassment and does not aid conservation efforts.