Part 3: Manipulated Reviews and Reputation Laundering in Corporate Dentistry
How Trust Is Being Bought and Public Opinion Manipulated
online reviews:
Today’s online reviews may look authentic, but the reality is far more concerning. SEO and marketing companies now offer very profitable services to flood review platforms with manufactured 5-star reviews, often using banks of IP addresses, bot accounts, and scripts to trick major platforms. Some reputation firms even offer full "review dumps"—injecting hundreds or even thousands of glowing reviews over time to mask a bad reputation. This practice is essentially false advertising, and while technically illegal under FTC guidelines, enforcement is minimal. The result: unethical or low-quality corporate chains can buy their way to a 4.8-star rating, while honest, small practices may suffer disproportionately from a single 1-star review.
internet Review platforms:
Legitimate negative reviews are buried or filtered by proprietary algorithms. Some platforms openly admit they do not show all reviews, instead relying on undisclosed algorithms to determine which are “recommended.” Many thoughtful, legitimate reviews are hidden simply because the business does not pay to advertise.
Many online review platforms employ proprietary algorithms to filter and rank reviews based on various factors such as recency, reviewer history, and engagement metrics. This process aims to enhance the relevance and authenticity of displayed reviews. For a comprehensive list of popular review sites and insights into their rating systems and algorithms, you can refer to this guide on top review platforms.
Such manipulation of public perception raises questions about unfair business practices and false advertising, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). Yet, due to platform protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and lack of aggressive enforcement, these practices continue largely unchecked.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article reflect the author's personal opinions and interpretations based on publicly available data, industry trends, and common reports from business owners. All references to companies, platforms, or industry practices are made in good faith and intended to foster public dialogue on professional ethics and patient care. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult legal experts regarding any specific claims.
Call to Action:
Be cautious and informed when relying on online reviews. Reach out to us directly for honest feedback and a personal consultation tailored to your needs.
