Due to media exposure and the viral nature of reporting shark attacks, there’s a misperception that sharks are bloodthirsty predators that hunt humans. The year 2022 had a lower number of unprovoked shark bites compared to the 5-year average between 2017–2021. The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File—the scientifically documented, comprehensive database of all known shark attacks—recorded a worldwide total of 57 unprovoked shark bites in 2022, 41 of which were in the United States and 1 of which was fatal. In comparison, between 2017–2021, there was a global average of 70 unprovoked shark bites annually.

So why does it seem like shark attacks on beach goers are becoming increasingly common?

• Cell phones and social media - Technology makes it easier than ever to share shark sightings or encounters worldwide in near real time. Dramatic images or video can quickly go viral and attract the attention of the internet, print, television, and other media outlets. This feeds the perception that shark attacks are happening more frequently.
• Dramatic numbers – Because the number of annual shark attacks is small, any increase or decrease in the number of bites can make trends seem dramatic.
• Sensational language – Human-shark interactions are often reported as attacks even if the person was not bitten. This language is misleading and can lead to fearmongering and negative perceptions of sharks. Shark scientists have proposed categorizing human-shark interactions to more accurately portray what occurred and prevent spreading misinformation.
• More sharks – As a result of fishing regulations, several shark stocks are rebuilt or are rebuilding. These larger populations of Atlantic sharks hunt prey in nearshore waters, sometimes increasing the risk of human-shark encounters. Prey populations have also been rebuilt or are in the process of rebuilding, and water quality is improving, which could contribute to the increase in shark presence nearshore.
• More people – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population now lives in an Atlantic coastal county. Beach attendance has also been steadily increasing since 1994. More people near the beach and in the water means increased opportunities for human-shark interactions.

While human-shark interactions might increase, it is extremely unlikely that Atlantic beach goers will be bitten by a shark.