Manipulated online reviews are distorting consumer perceptions of retail product quality and safety, influencing purchasing decisions

The claim that manipulated online reviews distort consumer perceptions of retail product quality and safety, influencing purchasing decisions, is supported by research. Studies indicate that fake reviews can significantly impact consumer trust and decision-making, with manipulated reviews often misleading consumers about product quality and safety, thereby affecting their purchasing choices ScienceDirect. Additionally, the presence of fake reviews can reduce the credibility of genuine reviews, leading to a distorted perception of products ResearchGate. This manipulation of online reviews is a growing concern in e-commerce, as it can lead to adverse selection where consumers choose lower-quality products based on misleading information ScienceDirect.