The Media’s Role and How We Can Change the Narrative For Spiders
Spiders always get bad press. It’s true, arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is a widespread issue exacerbated by the media’s portrayal of spiders being evil and to be avoided at all costs. Sensational headlines and exaggerated new’s story claims sell more papers and attract more viewers. Yes, we’re more likely to sit and notice catastrophe and fear than we are to revel in happiness and joy – but we’re not here to pass comment on society. Certainly, in the case of spiders, it’s little more than scare mongering with very little truth behind any of it at all! Spiders get a bed press because it’s easier than explaining the truth, but we’re doing exactly that!
In the UK, most spider species are completely harmless, so already you can understand that this negative portrayal is misleading. With this in mind, It’s important to question the negative reports about spiders and to understand the reason behind them. As much as accurate reporting of spiders isn’t what you’re likely to see, when you do read it, you usually believe it. After all, why would a positive report about spiders be written in the first place? Certainly, not for ratings or clicks. Please treat negative reports about spiders with a good scoop of scepticism. You’re about to find out why you should.
Misleading the Public over a Fear of Spiders: Media & Press Case Studies
The Fen Raft Spider Release
A prime example of spiders always getting a bad press came from the report on the Chessington World of Adventures zoo release of Fen Raft spiders in 2016. The Sun newspaper ran with:
“Zoo keepers have just released hundreds of rare spiders into the wild… and some of them span THREE inches”
I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t strike me as a positive headline? Especially, when it was actually a conservation effort by Chessington, and aimed at helping a vulnerable species of spider re-establish its numbers before releasing them back into their local habitat – the marshes and wetlands of Surrey. Yes, the Fen Raft spider is one of the largest spiders in the UK, but your likelihood of finding one anywhere near your home, in your shoe, hiding under your toilet seat, or even in your garden are basically zero. They could be 6ft tall and weigh 16st and you’d still have a job finding them. Their habitat is very much localised to fens and marshes, not our dusty garages. Still, it didn’t stop The Sun continuing with:
“The fen raft spider is the biggest species in the UK and Chessington have let 400 of them free!”
Sadly, these types of headlines were common across the media for this conservation effort, and I’m not giving satisfaction to a link that spreads lies and mistruths, if you want to dig you’ll find it easily enough. The headlines are no more than clickbait, and don’t think it’s just the tabloids that spread them. The Daily Telegraph used the Fen Raft spider to frame an article about: “How to Spider Proof your Home”. This reporting, from some of the UK’s most respected news and media outlets only spreads anxiety among those suffering from a phobia and suggests to everyone else that they are probably wrong for not fearing completely harmless spiders.
Moreover, the Daily Telegraph headlined their article: “Hundreds of Giant Spiders which can grow as Big as Mice Released in the UK” which asked:
“Would you congratulate an organisation that set free 400 spiders that can grow as big as mice?”
It’s a ludicrous statement that criticises Chessington World of Adventures for performing a laudable conservation effort.
False Widow Spider Scare
Of course, there are more error strewn stories, and from big press organisations you might think should know better. A BBC News report on nursery closures due to finding False Widow spider egg sacs labelled the False Widow as:
“The UK’s most dangerous spider”
Now, we need to pause for a brief moment because this claim is true. The reason it’s been mentioned is due to how misleading it is. Our immediate thoughts when told the UK’s most dangerous spider is nearby, are probably to get away as soon as possible. After all, if it’s the most dangerous spider then it must be venomous. And, we’ve all seen the movies and know exactly what happens after a spider bite…well, if we don’t suddenly get super powers and start climbing across the ceiling, at least!
The False Widow is venomous, yet its venom is actually less harmful than that from a bee or wasp sting. More to the point, male spiders can’t even penetrate human skin! Of course, the news article didn’t mention this – just leaving you with potential worry and anxiety.
These exaggerated portrayals fuel unnecessary fear and misunderstanding. You might have seen the dates on these reports and cast them aside as ‘old news’, but in 2021 the BBC linked to an article about Spider’s mating season with: “Spider Season: Is Your Home Under Invasion”. You see, scaremongering journalism is still alive and well.
If we take a moment to look at things from a different perspective: if we actively tried to exterminate all false widows, they would repopulate. Spiders are a hardy species that have been around for longer than us and will be here for as long this planet keeps sinning around the sun. False Widow spiders are among the most common spiders in the UK, and we are living with thousands of them around us at any given time and getting on just fine.
Understanding these facts can help alleviate fears and promote a more rational perspective on these creatures.
The Reality of Spiders in the UK that the Press have missed
I have read many other ridiculous online news features recently about spiders: one being a spider ‘terrorising’ staff at a local supermarket. Apparently, it would wait silently at the tills, ready to jump out at unsuspecting staff – read the short article if you think I’m making it up. Forget Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we have real life Ninja Spiders – well, according to this article, anyway!
Spiders really want nothing more than to get out of your way. They see a big creature posing a threat to life in front of them (that’s you, by-the-way) and they are likely to flee. There is no spider on the planet that has the intelligence, desire or need to lie-in wait, ready to leap out when you least expect it. That is purely for the movies. No spider is trying to come after you – It makes no evolutionary sense whatsoever!
UK spiders pose little to no threat to humans. They are far more interested in catching bugs than interacting with humans. The fear that they will harm children or infest homes is completely unfounded. They do not want to bite or chase people, and they are not watching and waiting for anyone. They simply wish to continue their role in the ecosystem, as they have done for over over 300 million years. Recognising this fact can help change the narrative and reduce unnecessary fear.
The Importance of Spiders in our Ecosystem
Spiders play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations. They prey on pests that can harm crops and spread disease, making them valuable allies in our environment. Educating the public on the benefits of spiders can shift the narrative from fear to appreciation. Without spiders, we would face a significant increase in harmful insects, leading to more disease and crop damage. This ecological perspective is vital for understanding why we need to protect and coexist with spiders.
Educating and Overcoming the Fear of Spiders With The Spider Courage Experience
At the Spider Courage Experience, we educate people about spiders to demystify these creatures and reduce these irrational fears. Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating arachnophobia. Understanding that spiders are not out to harm us and recognising their ecological importance can help change perceptions. Our programme offers transformative therapy to help individuals overcome their fear of spiders and build resilience against other anxiety triggers. Participants can replace fear with appreciation and respect by learning about a spiders’ true behaviour and role in nature.
Conclusion
Let’s See Spiders For Who They Really Are
It’s time for the media to shift from fear-mongering to factual reporting on spiders. By spreading accurate information and highlighting the positive aspects of these misunderstood creatures, we can reduce unnecessary fear and promote a healthier relationship with our environment – not swayed by spiders always getting a bad Press.
Accurate reporting can educate on the benefits of spiders, helping to shift perceptions and reduce irrational fears.
If you’re ready to conquer your fear of spiders and improve your overall mental health, or you want to know more about spiders, why we love them and how we can help you see them in far more beautiful light, jump to our Spider Courage Experience page and find out more.
Further, contact us for a free consultation and take the first step towards overcoming arachnophobia. Our therapy not only addresses the fear of spiders but also provides tools for managing other anxiety triggers, whilst improving confidence and enhancing overall well-being.
For more information on the importance of spiders, check out our detailed blog on their role in the world’s ecosystems here. Join us in changing the narrative and embracing the benefits that spiders bring to our lives. Knowledge and understanding are key to overcoming fear and fostering a harmonious coexistence with these essential creatures.
