Online reviews can be deceiving because they seem so simple at first. All we have to do is do a quick little check over what customers are saying about the product after buying it, why they liked or disliked a restaurant they ate at or what hotel rooms were reasonably priced. We fail to realize they also include drama in a way that’s easy to overlook.
These reviews are essentially forcing us to trust what complete strangers are saying. We’re forced to wonder whether or not this person is telling the truth or making something up. A negative review could easily be a one-time occurrence, but it could also be a serious warning about the service or product. These ratings could cause us some hesitation, where we peruse through multiple reviews to be sure it’s worth it or even delay buying the product due to uncertainty.
It gets worse when the reviews end up contradicting each other. One customer says this product worked wonders for them and to buy it immediately while another absolutely hated it and insists you save your money. It can be difficult to judge these reviews and make a decision on what’s the best route to take. The uncertainty of it all is stressful, even though it’s not a big deal in the bigger picture.
Online reviews aren’t just about the products or the service. They’re about trust, judgment and communication in today’s day and age of the digital world. They remind us that we are part of a larger conversation and that our choices can affect others. They teach caution, patience and sometimes empathy.
Even with all the drama, reviews serve a purpose. They guide decisions, encourage better products and services and connect us through shared experience. The next time you read a review, it’s worth remembering that you’re taking part in the drama that goes beyond your screen.
