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Duunnn dunnn... duuuunnnn duun... duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnnnnannnnn dunnnn.

That was my best attempt to lyricize the iconic Jaws theme music. As it turns out, pairing that music with documentary shark footage can negatively influence the way viewers see sharks.

A new study from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that background music has a tremendous impact on how we perceive sharks. Furthermore, the use of ominous music in shark documentaries can hinder conservation efforts.

“Given that 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 of the educational content,” says the study’s lead author, Andrew Nosal.

More than 2,000 online participants watched 60-second clips of shark footage either with ominous background music, an “uplifting” soundtrack, or no sound at all. Those who viewed footage with ominous music had significantly higher negative attitudes towards sharks.

You can check out the full study as it is published in the journal PLOS ONE.