What is sharking?

Sharking is a term used to describe a type of predatory behavior in social settings, where an individual approaches another person with the intention of gaining some form of advantage, typically of a sexual nature. The term originated in Japan and has since been adopted into English slang.

Sharking often involves a man approaching a woman in a public space, such as a bar or nightclub, and trying to initiate physical contact or sexual activity without her consent. This can include suggestive gestures, groping, or even attempting to remove the woman's clothing. Sharking behavior is widely considered to be disrespectful, invasive, and potentially dangerous.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of sharking and efforts to combat the behavior through education and legal measures. Many people advocate for bystander intervention, where individuals who witness sharking behavior intervene to prevent it from escalating. Some countries have also introduced laws to criminalize sharking and to provide legal protection for victims.