Amazon customers often encounter products on the marketplace with manipulated reviews that mislead us into thinking they are of good quality. This issue of fake reviews has plagued the shopping experience on Amazon for quite some time. While the company claims to be making efforts to weed out fake reviews, the problem persists. In reality, eradicating all manipulation on its platform may be a monumental task given Amazon’s size. Despite Amazon’s efforts to combat fake reviews, consumers are left continuously checking things like time stamps and user names when making purchases.
In drawing parallels from 18th-century philosopher Immanuel Kant, we can examine Amazon’s acts and interests in combating fake reviews as an illustration of moral philosophy. Kant’s example of a seller in the town marketplace highlights the concept of performing actions based on self-interest, even if the act is morally praiseworthy. Similarly, Amazon has a vested interest in maintaining consumer trust to ensure continued sales. However, the extent of the fake review problem and Amazon’s corrective actions are not widely known, suggesting Amazon’s interests may not align entirely with those of consumers.
While Amazon takes measures to address fake reviews to some extent, the company’s interests may dictate a less aggressive approach to avoid drawing attention to the widespread nature of the issue. This leaves consumers in a state of partial reassurance while still facing uncertainty about the authenticity of reviews. As such, the interests of buyers and Amazon may conflict in the digital marketplace, hindering significant changes that would benefit consumers. The current state of affairs may persist as long as it aligns with Amazon’s interests and strategic approach to the problem.
Ultimately, consumers may continue to face challenges with fake reviews on Amazon, with the company balancing its interests with the needs of buyers. As the digital marketplace evolves, there may be room for improvement in addressing the issue of fake reviews. Until then, buyers are advised to remain vigilant when making purchasing decisions on the platform and to consider the potential implications of manipulated reviews. By understanding the complex interplay between Amazon’s actions and interests, consumers can navigate the marketplace more effectively and make informed choices.
