SCARY Jaws-style music could be wiping out sharks, according to research.
The sinister sounds used to accompany them on nature documentaries is making viewers unjustly terrified, and threatening their conservation, say scientists.
It is believed these emotions are hindering efforts to save and protect the magnificent fish.
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The study showed 2,100 participants a 60-second video of sharks that was silent or set to ominous or uplifting music. Those who watched the “frightening” clip tended to rate them more negatively compared with the other two groups.
Biologist Professor Andrew Nosal and colleagues said the finding is concerning as most people view documentaries as educational. They may not be aware these so called objective programmes are eroding their feelings toward sharks.
Prof essorNosal, of Saint Katherine College, San Marcos, California, said: “Given nature documentaries are often regarded as objective and authoritative sources of information, it is critical that documentary filmmakers and viewers are aware of how the soundtrack can affect the interpretation.”
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The study, published in the journal Plos One, said despite the ongoing need for shark conservation, negative sentiments marginalise these animals and legitimise permissive exploitation.
Jaws was billed in 1975 as “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No 1 bestseller”.
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