Restaurants and fake reviews: «A threat to Cagliari's venues»
Many sites offer packages of false evaluations. The analysis of Fipe Confcommercio: «They damage companies and the market»
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A dinner with friends, a quick lunch, an aperitif. More and more people are relying on online reviews to choose a restaurant , trying to understand between the lines (and uploaded photos) which restaurant or bar is the best. It's a shame that more and more users are coming across fake reviews . On the front line against this phenomenon is Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna , according to which false reviews are "a threat to 90 percent of Cagliari's restaurants".
Online reviews have become one of the most important tools for influencing consumers' purchasing decisions, with 70% of users relying on these opinions before choosing a restaurant. The impact of these reviews on reservations can reach up to 30%, making their reliability essential.
However, a worrying phenomenon is emerging: fake reviews, which risk damaging the reputation of companies and compromising the integrity of the market.
Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna , in the wake of the battle of the national union, fights against the spread of fake reviews that have now become a plague for the commercial sector . Unfortunately, Italy is among the first countries in the world for the spread of these fraudulent practices, placing fifth, between Turkey and Vietnam.
A simple Google search with the keyword " buy reviews " is enough to find a long list of sites that offer fake reviews of all kinds . It is possible to buy packages of 100 reviews, which can easily bypass the controls of online platforms. But not only positive reviews to favor a company: there are also negative reviews, artfully created to damage the competition. "This practice, in addition to violating the principles of correctness and transparency, represents a real criminal offense of defamation", explains the president of Fipe Confcommercio Emanuele Frongia .
According to a survey conducted by Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna, a good 90% of Cagliari restaurateurs complain about false and manipulated reviews that damage their business , generating a distortion of the market and creating serious economic damage.
" Online reviews should never be a tool to manipulate public opinion , but a means to offer an authentic experience to consumers", says Frongia. FIPE Confcommercio Sud Sardegna calls for decisive action to combat this phenomenon and ensure a safer and more transparent online environment for everyone. "It is essential that digital platforms step up controls to identify and sanction those who manipulate reviews, while businesses and consumers must be aware of these deceptive practices", specifies the number one of Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna, "the battle against fake reviews is a battle for fairness and transparency in the market. FIPE Confcommercio Sud Sardegna will continue to work to protect local businesses and promote healthy and responsible trade".
(Unioneonline/vf)
