This page is part of a global project to create a better online reviews system. If you want to know more or give your feedback, write at [email protected] and we’ll grab a beer ;)
Given the significant impact reviews have on businesses, some users may leverage them to pressure companies for refunds or other benefits. While this may sometimes be legitimate and not always consciously manipulative, it can border on blackmail.
In certain cases, reviewers are acutely aware of their influence and may privately inform companies that they’ll remove a negative review if their demands are met.
On the flip side, some businesses might offer money or additional benefits beyond their usual policies to persuade customers to remove negative reviews. This could be seen as a form of corruption, albeit on a small scale.
Regardless of the dynamics, potential customers are affected. They might encounter extremely negative reviews that don’t reflect the full picture of the product or service or miss out on important feedback that was removed due to the business’s intervention.
This power dynamic is a double-edged sword: reviews allow users to voice their opinions to other potential customers, but with this power comes responsibility.