How can I separate useful reviews from crappy ones?
Sincerely,Concerned Consumer
Dear Concerned Consumer,You’re right, online reviews can be tricky to navigate.
However, there’s a lot you’re free to learn from the general tone of online reviews.
Scanning for commonalities across time or complaints is key.
You usually have dozens to read through, so if any particular one seems fishy, toss it out.
One thing to remember: Ignore outliers.
You’re better off reading more metered and even-handed replies.
Sites that offer reviews on specific categories or products can be helpful, but they suffer from self-selection bias.
Sites likeZocDocfor doctors,ApartmentRatingsfor apartments, andRate My Professorsare all valuable and offer great services to their visitors.
However, wading through their reviews can be a challenge.
Again, none of that is to say the reviews there aren’t useful or worth reading.
You should just go in with both eyes open.
Similarly, if you do see common complaints crop up in multiple reviews, make a note.
it’s possible for you to also use those common complaints to inform your experience and buck the trend.
Keep an open mind, and remember,online reviews almsot never tell the whole story.
That honesty and passion for their business is one reason I love the place.
Every review you see will come filtered through the lens of the internet.
Similarly,anonymity does strange thingsto otherwise normal, honest people.
Even if it’s possible for you to’t, sentiment is what’s really important.
A smart reading (or smart speed reading) or everything will serve you better on most sites.
Remember,the internet is what we make it.
Sincerely,Lifehacker
Title photo made usingjesadaphorn(Shutterstock).
Additional photos byLinda TannerandYi Chen.
