Just tuning into #Sharkweek. Is this episode good? I’m okay with silly representations of science (see my endorsement of #airderp).

The fake dumb, but enthusiasm, is better than than the fake fear. #SharkWeek

But like they’re definitely diving at a site where sharks are habituated to being fed right? #secretsharklair #sharkweek

So the dude from #PitchPerfect & his friends are serving the narrative role of the audience stand-in. This is a better narrative device then having randos “explain” wrong facts. It is okay... if you diversify your audience standin & experts

I do like the use of metal music for sharks. It implies an intense, but ultimately positive, experience.
(Or the appeal is just that parents hate it)

Omg it’s so wittle!!! #sharkweek

Omg this lil shark has attitude I love it. Why doesn’t @SharkWeek have more baby sharks?

So I’m snarky and I generally don’t like things that bring joy but let me tell you what’s being done right on #secretsharklair #sharkweek

1: The “famous” people are the audience stand-in, dumbed down (turned down to -11). So when they dumb things, it’s funny for a wide swath of people

2: they make the viewer feel smart. And they give opportunity for the experts to pass on knowledge (“haha you were so wildly wrong, let me explain the truth”)

3: they’re so dumb, their fear is a form of comedy, and therefore the fear of sharks is largely unjustified. If you’re afraid of a tiny non aggressive reef shark, you’re dumb like they are

4: they’re also so dumb they’re enthusiastic about everything- but it’s infectious. We’ve all met that drunk guy at the party whose so clueless but so happy to be there. This song sucks? Lets dance anyway!

This is not my favorite format for #SciComm, but overall I find it a more endearing approach than the fear based/big celebrities narrate their experience/provide wrong information.

Obviously I would prefer #SharkWeek highlighted the many shark experts who communicate their research in creative and fun ways, over randos. If this show show was among many other educational shows I’d like it better. But it gets a score of meh from me, bc it’s a dime a dozen