Many businesses have been scrutinizing Yelp for negative reviews and some businesses feel that it is unethical that Yelp asks certain companies to advertise for them, and if they decline, then negative reviews will be written about them. The company Yelp assures that is doesn’t manipulate reviews, but uses an automatic system to cull reviews which will then help to determine ratings. However, the businesses couldn’t prove that Yelp was being unethical and the courts ruled in Yelp’s favor saying that it not illegal that they seek payment for advertising. In addition to businesses having skepticism, many businesses have thrown out lawsuits against Yelp because it can lower or raise the ratings of a business. Although, if the reviews are not false, shouldn’t businesses take the constructive criticism and put their time and effort into making their business better? On the other side, businesses are causing a stir about yelp being unethical, when how do consumers know for sure that the restaurants on Yelp do not give incentives or encourage consumers to write positive reviews to boost their own rating.
