reviewbombing

Review bombing refers to the coordinated posting of large numbers of negative reviews for a product, service, or media item in order to influence public perception or pressure changes in policy, pricing, or behavior by a company or creator. It is typically organized by groups on social media, forums, or messaging apps and may target decisions such as monetization changes, perceived mismanagement, or quality issues. Legitimate customer feedback remains distinct from such campaigns, which aim to manipulate ratings rather than reflect individual experiences.

Common methods include mobilizing fans or critics to post within a short time window, using multiple accounts to amplify impact, and cross-posting across platforms. Motives vary from protest against a policy or business decision to retaliation for perceived betrayals. While some campaigns are framed as advocacy for consumer rights or transparency, others are criticized as excessive or opportunistic manipulation that can misrepresent typical user experiences.

Effects of review bombing can include distorted average ratings, skewed discovery algorithms, and reputational harm for creators or companies. Platforms may respond by detecting anomalous rating patterns, filtering or separating suspicious reviews, requiring account verification, or temporarily pausing new reviews. Ethical considerations center on balancing free expression with consumer protection and preventing manipulation. The phenomenon remains controversial, with debates about its legitimacy as a form of civic engagement versus a tactic that undermines informed decision‑making.