Using bots to boost social media followers and influence is off the table, too. Disney+ adds Hulu shows, sparking parental outrage. Plus, Waymo horror stories, Facebook rental scams, and tips for your next mechanic visit. And Earl from Chicago needs wedding help for his daughter.
The online review problem is getting worse
If you’re like me, you scan online reviews before adding that big “something” to a shopping cart … choosing a new plumber or finding a place to get sushi — OK, you get the idea. And you probably are like me: Up to 99% of buyers look up online reviews before purchasing, well, anything.
But here’s the fly in the ratings soup: Reviews have never been less trustworthy. We’re surrounded by brigading (engineering lots of positive posts) and review bombing (engineering lots of negative posts).
No wonder people who trust digital reviews as much as personal referrals have fallen from 79% in the past couple of years to only 49% this year.
“Kim, I know. It’s a problem.” Then let’s talk about what to do. Keep this list as a handy lil reference when shopping for gifts, big ticket items and destinations … or just figuring out what the heck to trust.
Pics, or it didn’t happen
Snaps of the product, place or results are more challenging to fake than just words on a screen. Scan those photos for time stamps or, better yet, for EXIF data. You might uncover when and where the photo was taken, making sure it’s legit. Apps like Exif Pilot can help you dissect the image info. That’s a pro move!
Unfriend social media reviews
You know social media reviews can be sketchy. So, let’s pivot. Sure, Google Business Profile is solid, but how about crowd-sourced map reviews like those on Waze? Yep, you can get some real insider info on local businesses from customers and road warriors. The BBB is an excellent place to get a review, too.
Negative Nellies need not apply
Don’t get lured into the negativity spiral. Instead, apply the 24-hour rule. Check out a company’s response to recent negative reviews. They’re likely more reliable if they’ve addressed issues in a day. Also, make it a habit to skim through a company’s replies to customer reviews; they can be revealing.
Bypassing big-box bewilderment
Amazon’s a juggernaut, but let’s sidestep it. Did you know smaller online forums like Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife offer stellar recommendations from people who’ve had products for ages? Of course, you can’t beat Consumer Reports. I use this site for every major purchase.
4 essential ways to keep hackers out of your smart home security cameras
Setting up smart security cameras in your home can be a boon for keeping your family and belongings safe, but doing so can also open up a whole new can of worms.
As frustrating as it may be, utilizing a security camera in your home could allow easy access for hackers to spy on you. Ironically, the equipment you use to keep your family safe can be misused this way, but that’s the world we live in. Tap or click to see how hackers can hijack your smart home with lasers.
Can you trust movie reviews from Rotten Tomatoes? Not really - here's why
There’s a movie your friend wants to see, but the trailer doesn’t blow you away. So you go to RottenTomatoes.com to see if the movie is worth your time.
We understand why that’s your first instinct. Rotten Tomatoes has a reputation for telling you if reviewers enjoyed a movie, and the Audience Score tells you if other people did, too. Tap or click here to learn how to spot fake online reviews.
How to spot if a review is fake
When you’re looking on the web for a place to stay, eat, or work, here’s why you should think twice about online reviews.
2 ways to check your doctor's reputation
Don’t just trust the online reviews. Here are better ways to see if your doctor is reliable.
See and edit your online reviews
Make a nasty comment on Google that you want to take back? I have the steps, in 60 seconds.