The shop, located in a small town, was frequented by workers from a nearby industrial park every night and was especially busy on weekends.
Then came multiple Facebook pages and groups that share information and discussions about the area. But instead of sticking to posts about the local weather or scenery, they began charging fees to advertise newly opened milk tea shops and eateries in the area.
One day, a post appeared in one of those Facebook groups criticizing my brother’s shop, describing the food as “expensive” and “just average, not tasty.”
“There are better and cheaper places nearby,” it concluded.
Hotpot ingredients in a pot. Photo by Unsplash |
Before that, the restaurant had steady footfall and customers rarely complained. But after that one post, a wave of negative comments followed, with many people piling on. Despite having operated for years, the business was unexpectedly dragged down and could not recover. Customers gradually stopped coming, and the restaurant eventually shut down.
I believe that in recent years, TikTokers and YouTubers who present themselves as food reviewers have become a concern for many restaurant owners.
What authority do they have to “review” a restaurant? When they comment on prices, are they being objective? Do they consider portion sizes, ingredient quality or market rates at the time?
As for taste, preferences vary from person to person. So how can they confidently declare something as good or bad and influence their viewers to assume the same without ever trying it themselves?
It feels as though, with just a smartphone in hand, many people now have the power to judge and “expose” others. Wherever they go, if they encounter something they dislike, they are quick to film it and post an exposé online.
While this can help shed light on unhygienic or exploitative businesses, it also carries the risk of targeted smear campaigns that may harm legitimate ones.
*This opinion was submitted by a reader and translated into English. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.
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