Ratings and Reviews--Has it Changed Us?

I was talking with my boss today about finding recipes online and he made a comment of how nice it is to have the access to millions of recipes right at our finger tips. We continued our discussion and we brought up how we both check the reviews and ratings before we make a recipe.

Reviews are super helpful. Continuing along with the recipe idea. The reviews can twique the recipe just a little to make it more spicy/creamy/less of an ingredient etc... BUT it is all up to you, to make it whatever way you want. It gives you options, suggestions, ideas and a confident attitude as you dive into the kitchen.

As I have been researching openness, this topic just keeps coming to mind. How has reviews and ratings changed the way we buy, make and create? There are countless website that all use the philosophy of ratings and reviews open to the public. "Let the public sell the product."

I use ratings and reviews almost constantly. In fact, Ratemyprofessor is one of my favorites on web browser. Anyone can write a comment and rate their professors. I don't know how many times I have saved myself so much hassle because I checked out the professors ratings first.

The drawback that I foresee is that it can be crippling the product or company. Many people don't look at the fine print to see HOW MANY REVIEWS there are. It could just have one that says its amazing or terrible and we go with it.

Does it just save us time, or does it improve our way of living? Is it hurting some companies/products that weren't given a chance and just have one really bad rating? Do you think this is a good thing to continue?